Multiplication: (am)(an) = am+n ; if the bases
are the same, rewrite the base and add the exponents .
Rule : If there are coefficients in front of the base, you
must multiply the coefficients .
ex: (2x3)(4x2) = 8x5
Division:
; if the bases are the same, rewrite the base and subtract the exponents .
Rule: If there are coefficients in front of the base, you
must divide the coefficients .
ex:
Negative:
when a ≠ 0 ; if you have a negative exponent , rewrite the expression with a
positive exponent and put it in the denominator if it was in the numerator, or
in the numerator if it was in the denominator.
Exp onents raised to another exponent:
; when you have an exponent raised to another exponent, you rewrite the
base and multiply the exponents.
Fractional Exponents :
where n ≥ 2. When given a fractional exponent, the numerator of the fraction
is the power and the denominator is the root .
Zero: a0 = 1, where a ≠ 0. Whenever there is a non zero
base raised to the zero power, the value is always one.
Reprint with permission only: Chandler-Gilbert Community College Learning Center
