The easiest way to enter an exponent is to use the '^' (Shift+6) symbol.  To raise "6v squared" is ambiguous because it could mean either "6v^2" or "(6v)^2" (then use the "right arrow" key or a click of the mouse to exit the exponent region and continue typing). 

If your problem contains no equals sign and you wish to simply an expression then please select one of the tabs for 'Simplify', 'Expand' or 'Factor'. If your problem contains an equals sign then please select the tab for 'Solve' or 'Graph'.