PSAT Math : How to multiply exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #51 : Exponential Operations

If  and  are nonzero numbers such that , which of the following is equivalent to ?

Possible Answers:


Correct answer:

Explanation:

For this problem, we need to make use of the property of exponents, which states that (xy)z = xyz.

We are given a2 but are asked to find a6.

Let's raise both sides of the equation to the third power, so that we will end up with a6 on the left side.

(a2)3 = (b3)3

Now, according to the property of exponents mentioned before, we can multiply the exponents. 

a(2*3) = b(3*3)

a6 = b9

The answer is b9.

Example Question #21 : Exponents

If  and  are positive integers and , what is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The question tells us that 22a ( 22b )= 16.

We can rewrite 16 as 24, giving us 22a ( 22b )= 24.

When terms with the same base are multipled, their exponents can be added:

2(2a +2b) = 24

Since the base is the same on both sides of the equation, we can equate the exponents:

2a +2b = 4

2(a + b) = 4

a + b = 2

Example Question #51 : Exponents

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Apply the the various properties of exponents:

 

Example Question #22 : How To Multiply Exponents

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #61 : Exponential Operations

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

This expression cannot be simplified any further

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When you are multiplying and the bases are the same, you add the exponents together. Because both bases are  you add  as your new exponent. You then keep the same base, , to the 7th power. 

Example Question #24 : How To Multiply Exponents

Solve for :

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 

Now the left side equals  and the right side equals 8.  Hence:

Therefore  must be equal to 11.

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