Algebra II : Multiplying and Dividing Exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Simplifying Exponents

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, simplify the second expression. When there is an exponent outside the parentheses, it must be distributed to every term in the parentheses:

.

Then multiply the two terms:

.

Example Question #122 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Divide the exponents:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to divide the exponents, we must have the same bases. 

Convert the base 4 to 2 by rewriting the four as two squared.

Now that the bases are the same, subtract the power on the numerator with the denominator.

The answer is:  

Example Question #122 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing exponents with the same base, we subtract the exponents while keeping the base the same.

Example Question #124 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To simplify a fraction like this, I look at the like terms separately and simplify those, putting everything together at the end.

First,

.

Then,

.

.

.

Put those all together to get your answer:

Example Question #125 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the like terms. Remember that when multiplying with exponents and bases are the same, add exponents.

Therefore,

and 

.

Thus, your answer is:

Example Question #123 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing variables with exponents, the exponents are subtracted

Thus

becomes

 

 

Example Question #127 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Although the bases are not the same, we know that . Therefore, . With the same bases, we now can subtract the exponents while keeping the base the same.

Example Question #128 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Multiply the following exponents:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Notice that we can rewrite the second term in terms of the base of four.  Sixteen is equal to four squared.

We can replace this term with 16 in order to multiply, and then add the exponents.

According to the rule of exponents, whenever powers of a similar base are multiplied, the exponents can be added.

The answer is:  

Example Question #454 : Exponents

Divide:   

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When dividing powers of a similar base, the exponents can be subtracted.

Simplify the negative exponent.

The answer is:  

Example Question #128 : Multiplying And Dividing Exponents

Evaluate:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to simplify this, we will need to rewrite the base 27 as a common base of three in order to be able to subtract the exponents.

Rewrite the fraction.

Subtract the exponents.

The answer is:  

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