Lars' Blog

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Exponent Rules

on September 23, 2014

Hello! The past few weeks we have been learning about rules and properties of exponents.

When multiplying exponents with the same bases, you simply add the exponents. Here is an example.

x^7 * x^5 = x*x*x*x*x*x*xx*x*x*x*x = x^12

Notice how the multiplication symbol connects the string of numbers from x^7 to x^5.

When dividing exponents, subtract the exponents in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator.

For example:  x^9/x^3 = x/x * x/x * x/x * x^6 = x^6

Any number over itself is 1, so that leaves us with x^6, because the Identity Property states that any number multiplied by 1 is the same number.

When taking an exponent to another exponent, multiply the exponents.

(x^7)^9=x^63

When you have a negative exponent, multiply by the reciprocal.

8^-4=1/8 * 1/8 * 1/8 * 1/8 =1/4096


One Response to “Exponent Rules”

  1. Derek Oldfield says:

    Good job Lars. I think if anyone were to read this response, they’d have a decent idea about the properties of exponents. I like it!

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