Exponent Rules Practice Problems - Master All 7 Laws

Practice multiplying powers, quotient rules, negative exponents, and zero exponents. Solve exponential equations with step-by-step solutions and explanations.

📚Master Exponent Rules Through Interactive Practice
  • Apply multiplication rule: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) to combine same bases
  • Solve quotient problems using a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n) division rule
  • Master power of a power rule: (a^n)^m = a^(n×m) in complex expressions
  • Convert negative exponents using a^(-n) = 1/a^n reciprocal rule
  • Simplify expressions with zero exponents knowing a^0 = 1
  • Factor natural numbers into prime factorization with powers
  • Solve exponential equations using identical bases and substitution methods

Understanding Exponents Rules

Complete explanation with examples

What is an exponent?

Powers are the number that is multiplied by itself several times.
Each power consists of two main parts: 

  • Base of the power: The number that fulfills the requirement of duplication. The principal number is written in large size.
  • Exponent: the number that determines how many times the power base needs to be multiplied by itself.
    The exponent is written in small size and appears on the right side above the power base.
A - How we will identify the exponent

Detailed explanation

Practice Exponents Rules

Test your knowledge with 51 quizzes

\( 6^2= \)

Examples with solutions for Exponents Rules

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

8132= \frac{81}{3^2}=

Step-by-Step Solution

First, we recognize that 81 is a power of the number 3, which means that:

34=81 3^4=81 We replace in the problem:

8132=3432 \frac{81}{3^2}=\frac{3^4}{3^2} Keep in mind that the numerator and denominator of the fraction have terms with the same base, therefore we use the property of powers to divide between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n} We apply it in the problem:

3432=342=32 \frac{3^4}{3^2}=3^{4-2}=3^2 Therefore, the correct answer is option b.

Answer:

32 3^2

Video Solution
Exercise #2

192=? 19^{-2}=\text{?}

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to solve the exercise, we use the negative exponent rule.

an=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n}

We apply the rule to the given exercise:

192=1192 19^{-2}=\frac{1}{19^2}

We can then continue and calculate the exponent.

1192=1361 \frac{1}{19^2}=\frac{1}{361}

Answer:

1361 \frac{1}{361}

Video Solution
Exercise #3

2423= \frac{2^4}{2^3}=

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's keep in mind that the numerator and denominator of the fraction have terms with the same base, therefore we use the property of powers to divide between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n}

We apply it in the problem:

2423=243=21 \frac{2^4}{2^3}=2^{4-3}=2^1

Remember that any number raised to the 1st power is equal to the number itself, meaning that:

b1=b b^1=b

Therefore, in the problem we obtain:

21=2 2^1=2

Therefore, the correct answer is option a.

Answer:

2 2

Video Solution
Exercise #4

9993= \frac{9^9}{9^3}=

Step-by-Step Solution

Note that in the fraction and its denominator, there are terms with the same base, so we will use the law of exponents for division between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n}

Let's apply it to the problem:

9993=993=96 \frac{9^9}{9^3}=9^{9-3}=9^6

Therefore, the correct answer is b.

Answer:

96 9^6

Video Solution
Exercise #5

(4274)2= (\frac{4^2}{7^4})^2=

Step-by-Step Solution

(4274)2=42×274×2=4478 (\frac{4^2}{7^4})^2=\frac{4^{2\times2}}{7^{4\times2}}=\frac{4^4}{7^8}

Answer:

4478 \frac{4^4}{7^8}

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 exponent rules I need to memorize?

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The 7 essential exponent rules are: 1) a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) for multiplying same bases, 2) a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n) for dividing same bases, 3) (ab)^n = a^n × b^n for power of a product, 4) (a/b)^n = a^n/b^n for power of a quotient, 5) (a^n)^m = a^(n×m) for power of a power, 6) a^0 = 1 for zero exponents, and 7) a^(-n) = 1/a^n for negative exponents.

How do you multiply powers with the same base?

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When multiplying powers with identical bases, keep the base and add the exponents: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n). For example, 4^2 × 4^3 = 4^(2+3) = 4^5. This works because you're essentially multiplying (4×4) × (4×4×4) = 4^5.

What happens when you raise a number to the zero power?

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Any non-zero number raised to the zero power equals 1: a^0 = 1 (where a ≠ 0). For example, 5^0 = 1, (-3)^0 = 1, and x^0 = 1. The only exception is 0^0, which is undefined in most contexts.

How do you solve exponential equations step by step?

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To solve exponential equations: 1) Make the bases identical using prime factorization (like converting 8 to 2^3), 2) If bases are equal, set exponents equal: if a^x = a^y, then x = y, 3) For complex equations, use substitution method by letting t = base^variable, creating a quadratic equation, 4) Solve for t, then substitute back to find the original variable.

Why do negative exponents create fractions?

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Negative exponents represent reciprocals: a^(-n) = 1/a^n. This maintains consistency with exponent rules - when you divide a^5 ÷ a^8, you get a^(5-8) = a^(-3) = 1/a^3. The negative exponent indicates the power belongs in the denominator.

What's the difference between (2×3)^4 and 2^4×3^4?

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These expressions are actually equal due to the power of a product rule: (ab)^n = a^n × b^n. So (2×3)^4 = 2^4 × 3^4 = 16 × 81 = 1296. Both equal 6^4 = 1296. The rule lets you distribute the exponent to each factor in the parentheses.

How do you simplify complex expressions with multiple exponent rules?

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Follow order of operations: 1) Handle parentheses first using power rules, 2) Convert to common bases when possible, 3) Apply multiplication/division rules for same bases, 4) Use power of a power rule: (a^n)^m = a^(nm), 5) Convert negative exponents to positive at the end. Work systematically through each rule.

When do you use scientific notation with exponents?

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Scientific notation (m × 10^e) is used for very large or very small numbers in science. The number m is between 1 and 10, and e is the power of 10. If e is positive, the number is large (like 3.2 × 10^8 for 320,000,000). If e is negative, the number is small (like 4.5 × 10^(-3) for 0.0045).

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