1. Let's clarify how to get $a^3$ when working with exponents. 2. The expression $a^3$ means $a$ multiplied by itself 3 times: $$a^3 = a \times a \times a$$ 3. This comes from the definition of exponents: for any number $a$ and positive integer $n$, $$a^n = \underbrace{a \times a \times \cdots \times a}_{n \text{ times}}$$ 4. For example, if $a=2$, then $$2^3 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$$ 5. So, if you see $a^3$, it means you multiply $a$ by itself three times. 6. If you have a specific expression or step where $a^3$ appeared and you want me to explain that, please share it, and I can break it down further.