Algebra II : Simplifying Exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify the following expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying exponents, add the superscripts.

When dividing expondents, subtract the superscripts.

Thus, all you need to do here is:

 .

Example Question #21 : Simplifying Exponents

Solve:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing similar bases with an exponent, subtract the powers.

 

Example Question #23 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can add the exponents.

Example Question #24 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can add the exponents.

 

Remember that when adding a negative number to a positive number, we take the sign of the greater number and treat it as a subtraction problem. Since  is greater than  and is positive, our answer is positive. We will treat it as a subtraction problem. 

Example Question #25 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can add the exponents.

Remember that when adding a negative number to a negative number, we add the addends and place a negative sign in front of the total. 

Remember that when adding a negative number to a positive number, we take the sign of the greater number and treat it as a subtraction problem. Since  is greater than  and is negative, our answer is negative. We will treat it as a subtraction problem. 

Example Question #22 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can subtract the exponents.

Example Question #26 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can subtract the exponents.

These factors have different bases; therefore, we cannot simplify any further. 

The answer is as follows:

Example Question #28 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing exponents, we must first check to see if the factors have the same base. If they have the same bases, then we can subtract the exponents.

Remember that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number.

Example Question #21 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Can't  be simplified.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Although they have different bases, they do have the same exponent. We can essentially divide the base but keep the exponent constant.

The answer is as follows:

Example Question #21 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Although we have different bases, there is a commonality between base  and .

We can convert them all to base 

 and 

Now, let's figure out the exponents after we converted the factors to base  by creating proportions.

 The top of the right fraction represents exponent of base . The bottom of the left fraction represents exponent of base 

When we cross-multiply we get 

 The top of the right fraction represents exponent of base . The bottom of the left fraction represents exponent of base 

When we cross-multiply we get 

We now have the same base in the factors:  and 

With same bases, we can subtract the exponents.

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