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In simplified exponential notation, what is a^2 • a^-3 • a?

  1. 0

  2. 1

  3. a^n

  4. a

The correct answer is: 1

To solve the expression \( a^2 \cdot a^{-3} \cdot a \), we use the laws of exponents, particularly the property that states when multiplying like bases, you add the exponents. Start by rewriting the last term \( a \) as \( a^1 \): \[ a^2 \cdot a^{-3} \cdot a^{1} \] Next, add the exponents together: \[ 2 + (-3) + 1 = 2 - 3 + 1 = 0 \] Thus, the expression simplifies to: \[ a^0 \] According to the exponent rules, any non-zero base raised to the power of 0 equals 1: \[ a^0 = 1 \] Therefore, the expression simplifies to 1. This is why the correct answer is that the expression equals 1. The other options do not align with the rules of exponentiation for the given expression.