Rules of Exponents

Front

What is the rule for negative exponents?

Back

A negative exponent indicates that the base should be taken as the reciprocal. For example, a^-n = 1/a^n.

Front

How do you make a negative exponent positive?

Back

To make a negative exponent positive, take the reciprocal of the base. For example, 9^-3 = 1/9^3.

Front

What happens to exponents when multiplying expressions with the same base?

Back

When multiplying expressions with the same base, you add the exponents. For example, a^m * a^n = a^(m+n).

Front

What happens to exponents when dividing expressions with the same base?

Back

When dividing expressions with the same base, you subtract the exponents. For example, a^m / a^n = a^(m-n).

Front

What is the product of (2m^4)(5m^2)?

Back

The product is 10m^6.

Front

What is the product of (6x^2)(-3x^5)?

Back

The product is -18x^7.

Front

What is the rule for zero exponents?

Back

Any non-zero base raised to the power of zero equals one. For example, a^0 = 1.

Front

What is the power of a power rule?

Back

When raising a power to another power, you multiply the exponents. For example, (a^m)^n = a^(m*n).

Front

What is the power of a product rule?

Back

When raising a product to a power, you distribute the exponent to each factor. For example, (ab)^n = a^n * b^n.

Front

What is the power of a quotient rule?

Back

When raising a quotient to a power, you distribute the exponent to the numerator and denominator. For example, (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n.