What are the steps to solve this problem?

8) If the base of the exponents match on both sides of the equal sign, then the exponents can be set equal to each other.

So since (5ˣ)⁵ = 5³⁵, the base 5 is on both sides.

5(x) = 35

5x = 35

Divide by 5 on both sides to isolate the variable.

x = 7

9) Without evaluating (much) you can tell by common sense that (2⁵)(10⁵) is bigger.

The exponents are the same so you can multiply the bases. 4x5 = 20. 2 x 10 = 20. Now, just look at the exponents to see which is bigger. 5 > 4. Therefore, (2⁵)(10⁵) is bigger.

10) Nicholas's second statement is false. (2⁶)(2⁶) is the same as (2⁶)². In this case since they have the same base, you would multiply the exponents. 6 x 2 = 12. Therefore, (2⁶)(2⁶) = 2¹²