I need help with a math question? xD (6th grade math question)

Students at a junior high school, play a game called "Pass It Along." In this game, one student picks a phrase and tells it to 3 other students. Each of these students then tells 3 more students. How many students will be told the phrase during round 4?

a. 12 students
b. 81 students
c. 64 students
d. 41 students


SO CONFUSING!!

3^4
81; B.

the fourth round is 3 to the 4th power, or 3*3*3*3 = 81
it is not asking for the total number of students, only the number told in the 4th round.

1x3=3
3x3=9
9x3=27
27x3=81

81 students

In phase 1, there are 3. In phase 2, there are 3x3=9. In phase 3, there are 3x3x3=27. In phase 4, there are 3x3x3x3=81.

81
3*3=9*3=27*3=81

its 3^4
i.e 81