Exponent Rules Practice Problems - Master Powers & Bases

Practice exponent rules with step-by-step problems. Master multiplication, division, power of powers, negative exponents, and zero exponents through guided exercises.

📚Master Exponent Rules Through Interactive Practice
  • Apply multiplication rule: a^n × a^m = a^(n+m) with same bases
  • Solve division problems using a^n ÷ a^m = a^(n-m) formula
  • Master power of powers rule: (a^n)^m = a^(n×m) in complex expressions
  • Work with negative exponents using a^(-n) = 1/a^n conversions
  • Practice zero and one exponent rules: a^0 = 1 and 1^n = 1
  • Solve multi-step problems combining all exponent rules

Understanding Exponents Rules

Complete explanation with examples

Definition of Exponentiation

Exponents are a way to write the multiplication of a term by itself several times in a shortened form.

The number that is multiplied by itself is called the base, while the number of times the base is multiplied is called the exponent.

A - Exponentiation

an=aaa a^n=a\cdot a\cdot a ... (n times)

For example:

5555=54 5\cdot5\cdot5\cdot5=5^4

5 5 is the base, while 4 4 is the exponent.

In this case, the number 5 5 is multiplied by itself 4 4 times and, therefore, it is expressed as 5 5 to the fourth power or 5 5 to the power of 4 4 .

Detailed explanation

Practice Exponents Rules

Test your knowledge with 78 quizzes

Simplify the following equation:

\( 7^5\times2^3\times7^2\times2^4= \)

Examples with solutions for Exponents Rules

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Insert the corresponding expression:

(92)4= \left(9^2\right)^4=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the provided expression: (92)4(9^2)^4.

  • Step 2: Apply the power of a power rule for exponents.

  • Step 3: Simplify by multiplying the exponents.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: We have the expression (92)4(9^2)^4.

Step 2: Using the power of a power rule ((am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}), apply it to the expression:

(92)4=92×4 (9^2)^4 = 9^{2 \times 4}

Step 3: Simplify by calculating the product of the exponents:

2×4=8 2 \times 4 = 8

Therefore, (92)4=98(9^2)^4 = 9^8.

The correct expression corresponding to the given problem is 98\boxed{9^8}.

Answer:

98 9^8

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Insert the corresponding expression:

6764= \frac{6^7}{6^4}=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Identify the given information and relevant exponent rules.

  • Apply the quotient property of exponents.

  • Simplify the expression.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us the expression 6764 \frac{6^7}{6^4} . The base is 6, and the exponents are 7 and 4, respectively.
Step 2: According to the rule of exponents, when dividing powers with the same base, we subtract the exponents: aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} In this case, a=6 a = 6 , m=7 m = 7 , and n=4 n = 4 .
Step 3: Applying this rule gives us: 6764=674=63 \frac{6^7}{6^4} = 6^{7 - 4} = 6^3

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 63 6^3 .

Answer:

63 6^3

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Insert the corresponding expression:

b5b2= \frac{b^5}{b^2}=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we need to simplify the expression b5b2 \frac{b^5}{b^2} using the rules of exponents.

  • Step 1: Identify the rule to apply: For any positive integer exponents m m and n n , the rule aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} applies when dividing terms with the same base. In this expression, our base is b b .

  • Step 2: Apply the rule: Substitute the given exponents into the formula: b5b2=b52\frac{b^5}{b^2} = b^{5-2}

  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction: Calculate the exponent 52 5 - 2 : b52=b3b^{5-2} = b^3

Therefore, the solution to the expression b5b2 \frac{b^5}{b^2} is b3 b^3 .

Answer:

b3 b^3

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Insert the corresponding expression:

x6x4= \frac{x^6}{x^4}=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the given expression x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents
  • Step 2: Simplify the expression
  • Step 3: Verify by comparing with the answer choices

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents. This rule states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} when dividing powers with the same base.

Step 2: We have x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} . According to the rule:

x6x4=x64=x2 \frac{x^6}{x^4} = x^{6-4} = x^2

Step 3: Verify by comparing with the answer choices:

  • Choice 1: x2 x^{-2} – Incorrect as it implies the exponents were added incorrectly.
  • Choice 2: x2 x^2 – This matches our result.
  • Choice 3: x10 x^{10} – Incorrect as it implies the exponents were added instead of subtracted.
  • Choice 4: x23 x^{\frac{2}{3}} – Incorrect as it does not match the calculation based on integer exponents.

Therefore, the correct choice is x2 x^2 , which is Choice 2.

Answer:

x2 x^2

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Insert the corresponding expression:

y9y3= \frac{y^9}{y^3}=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression y9y3\frac{y^9}{y^3}, we will apply the rules of exponents, specifically the power of division rule, which states that when you divide like bases, you subtract the exponents.


Here are the steps to arrive at the solution:

  • Step 1: Identify and write down the expression: y9y3\frac{y^9}{y^3}.

  • Step 2: Apply the division rule of exponents, which is aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}, for any non-zero base aa.

  • Step 3: Using the division rule, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator:y93 y^{9-3}

  • Step 4: Calculate the exponent: 93=6 9 - 3 = 6

  • Step 5: Write down the simplified expression:y6 y^6

Therefore, the expression y9y3\frac{y^9}{y^3} simplifies to y6 y^6 .

Answer:

y6 y^6

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you multiply exponents with the same base?

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When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: a^n × a^m = a^(n+m). For example, 5^2 × 5^3 = 5^(2+3) = 5^5. The base stays the same, only the exponents are added together.

What is the rule for dividing exponents with the same base?

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When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: a^n ÷ a^m = a^(n-m). For example, 7^5 ÷ 7^2 = 7^(5-2) = 7^3. Remember the base cannot be zero when using this rule.

How do you solve power of a power problems?

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For power of a power, multiply the exponents: (a^n)^m = a^(n×m). For example, (3^2)^4 = 3^(2×4) = 3^8. This rule applies when you have parentheses around a base with an exponent, and another exponent outside.

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

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Any non-zero number raised to the power of zero equals 1: a^0 = 1. For example, 5^0 = 1, (-3)^0 = 1, and 100^0 = 1. However, 0^0 is undefined in mathematics.

How do you work with negative exponents?

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A negative exponent means taking the reciprocal: a^(-n) = 1/a^n. Steps to solve: 1) Move the base to the denominator, 2) Make the exponent positive, 3) Simplify. For example, 2^(-3) = 1/2^3 = 1/8.

What are the most common mistakes students make with exponent rules?

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Common errors include: 1) Adding exponents when multiplying different bases (2^3 × 3^2 ≠ 5^5), 2) Multiplying exponents instead of adding when multiplying same bases, 3) Forgetting that only the exponents change, not the base, 4) Confusing negative exponents with negative numbers.

Can you use exponent rules with variables and algebraic expressions?

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Yes, exponent rules work the same way with variables. Examples: x^3 × x^5 = x^8, (y^2)^4 = y^8, and (2x)^3 = 2^3 × x^3 = 8x^3. The key is treating variables like any other base and applying the same rules consistently.

How do you handle exponents with fractions and multiplication?

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For fractional bases: (a/b)^n = a^n/b^n. For products: (a×b)^n = a^n × b^n. Example: (2×3)^2 = 2^2 × 3^2 = 4 × 9 = 36. These distributive properties make complex expressions easier to solve step by step.

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