How do you multiply powers that have the same base

The exponent "product rule" tells us that, when multiplying two powers that have the same base you can add the exponents in this example you can see how it works. Adding the exponents Is just a short cut! the "power rule" tells us that raise power to a power, just multiply the exponents

-7

step-by-step explanation:

x^2 + 18x + 74 = (x + 9)^2 - 81 + 74

= (x + 9)^2 - 7.

so q = -7.