EXPONENT RULES & PRACTICE
1. PRODUCT RULE: To multiply when two bases are the same, write the base and ADD the exponents.
·
Examples:
A.
·
B. 2
· 2
2
C.
2. QUOTIENT RULE: To divide when two bases are the same, write the base and SUBTRACT the exponents.
Examples:
A.
B.
3
C.
3. ZERO EXPONENT RULE: Any base (except 0) raised to the zero power is equal to one.
Examples:
A.
1 B. 6
1 C. 7
!
1
4. POWER RULE: To raise a power to another power, write the base and MULTIPLY the exponents.
·
Examples:
A.
B. 3
3
C. "
"
5. EXPANDED POWER RULE:
#
#
$
#
%
#
Examples:
A. 2
2
8
B. 6
6
36
C. $
%
'
(
)
)
*
)
D. $
%
+
,
6. NEGATIVE EXPONENTS: If a factor in the numerator or denominator is moved across the fraction bar, the sign
of the exponent is changed.
-
$
#
%
$
#
%
Examples:
A.
B. 4
C. /4
D. $
%
$
%
,
E. 3
/2
/6
F.
0
-
1
2
-)
3
-4
1
2
)
3
0
G. /2
$
)
%
$
)
%
*
)
CAUTION: / 5
For example: /3 5
REMEMBER: An exponent applies to only the factor it is directly next to unless parentheses enclose other factors.
Examples:
A. /3
/3/3 9 B. /3
/9
