ACT Math : How to multiply exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Exponential Operations

Simplify

.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This is just a matter of simply distributing this multiplication. Start by the basic distribution:

Now, you just add the exponents that are similar. Thus, you get:

 

Example Question #21 : How To Multiply Exponents

Simplify the following: 

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The rule for multiplying exponents is 

.

Using this, we see that 

.

Thus, our answer is .

Example Question #22 : Exponents

The expression  is equivalent to which of the following?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The formula for multiplying exponents is 

.

Using this, we see that 

, and 

.

Example Question #21 : How To Multiply Exponents

Simplify the following: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When two variables with exponents are multiplied, you can simplify the expression by adding the exponents together. In this particular problem, the correct answer is found by adding the exponents 5 and 5, yielding .

Example Question #22 : How To Multiply Exponents

Simplify the following to its simplest exponential expression: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying exponential expressions, the bases remain the same and the exponents are added. Thus, the answer to this question is .

Example Question #23 : How To Multiply Exponents

can be written as which of the following?

A.

B.

C.

Possible Answers:

A only

A and C

C only

A, B and C

B and C

Correct answer:

A and C

Explanation:

B is not equivalent because...

A is equivalent because of a property of exponents meaning that . Consequently,

C is simply computing .

Example Question #21 : How To Multiply Exponents

Solve  when  and .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Substitute  for  and  for

Simplify: 

 

Example Question #24 : How To Multiply Exponents

What is ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When an exponent is raised to an exponent, you may simplify by multiplying the exponents together to make a new exponent. In this case,  becomes , which equals .

Example Question #25 : How To Multiply Exponents

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When exponents with the same base are being multiplied, you may add the exponents together to create a new exponent. 

In this case, you would add 6 and 4 to create 10 as the new exponent. 

Keeping the same base, the answer becomes .

Example Question #21 : Exponential Operations

Solve:  when  and .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Substitute  for  and  for .

Simplify: 

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