Examples with solutions for Applying Combined Exponents Rules: Single Variable

Exercise #1

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

Video Solution

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

Exercise #2

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

Video Solution

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

Exercise #3

Insert the corresponding expression:

(x3)4= \left(x^3\right)^4=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To simplify the expression (x3)4 (x^3)^4 , we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the expression: (x3)4 (x^3)^4 .
  • Step 2: Apply the formula for a power raised to another power.
  • Step 3: Calculate the product of the exponents.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: We have the expression (x3)4 (x^3)^4 , which involves a power raised to another power.

Step 2: We apply the exponent rule (am)n=amn(a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} here with a=xa = x, m=3m = 3, and n=4n = 4.

Step 3: Multiply the exponents: 3×4=12 3 \times 4 = 12 . This gives us a new exponent for the base x x .

Therefore, (x3)4=x12(x^3)^4 = x^{12}.

Consequently, the correct answer choice is: x12 x^{12} from the options provided. The other options x6 x^6 , x1 x^1 , and x7 x^7 do not reflect the correct application of the exponent multiplication rule.

Answer

x12 x^{12}

Exercise #4

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

Video Solution

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

Exercise #5

Reduce the following equation:

a2×a5×a3= a^2\times a^5\times a^3=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To reduce the expression a2×a5×a3 a^2 \times a^5 \times a^3 , we will apply the product of powers property of exponents. This property states that when multiplying expressions with the same base, we add their exponents.

  • Step 1: Identify the exponents.
    The expression involves the same base a a with exponents: 2, 5, and 3.
  • Step 2: Add the exponents.
    According to the product of powers property, a2×a5×a3=a2+5+3 a^2 \times a^5 \times a^3 = a^{2+5+3} .
  • Step 3: Simplify the expression.
    Calculate the sum of the exponents: 2+5+3=10 2 + 5 + 3 = 10 . Therefore, the expression simplifies to a10 a^{10} .

Ultimately, the solution to the problem is a10 a^{10} . Among the provided choices, is correct: a10 a^{10} . The other options a5 a^5 , a8 a^8 , and a4 a^4 do not correctly reflect the sum of the exponents as calculated.

Answer

a10 a^{10}

Exercise #6

Solve the exercise:

(a5)7= (a^5)^7=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the formula:

(am)n=am×n (a^m)^n=a^{m\times n}

and therefore we obtain:

(a5)7=a5×7=a35 (a^5)^7=a^{5\times7}=a^{35}

Answer

a35 a^{35}

Exercise #7

Solve the exercise:

a2:a+a3a5= a^2:a+a^3\cdot a^5=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

First we rewrite the first expression on the left of the problem as a fraction:

a2a+a3a5 \frac{a^2}{a}+a^3\cdot a^5 Then we use two properties of exponentiation, to multiply and divide terms with identical bases:

1.

bmbn=bm+n b^m\cdot b^n=b^{m+n}

2.

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

Returning to the problem and applying the two properties of exponentiation mentioned earlier:

a2a+a3a5=a21+a3+5=a1+a8=a+a8 \frac{a^2}{a}+a^3\cdot a^5=a^{2-1}+a^{3+5}=a^1+a^8=a+a^8

Later on, keep in mind that we need to factor the expression we obtained in the last step by extracting the common factor,

Therefore, we extract from outside the parentheses the greatest common divisor to the two terms which are:

a a We obtain the expression:

a+a8=a(1+a7) a+a^8=a(1+a^7) when we use the property of exponentiation mentioned earlier in A.

a8=a1+7=a1a7=aa7 a^8=a^{1+7}=a^1\cdot a^7=a\cdot a^7

Summarizing the solution to the problem and all the steps, we obtained the following:

a2a+a3a5=a(1+a7) \frac{a^2}{a}+a^3\cdot a^5=a(1+a^{7)}

Therefore, the correct answer is option b.

Answer

a(1+a7) a(1+a^7)

Exercise #8

Simplify the following:

a12a9×a3a4= \frac{a^{12}}{a^9}\times\frac{a^3}{a^4}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

First, we'll enter the same fraction using the multiplication law between fractions, by multiplying numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator:

xywz=xwyz \frac{x}{y}\cdot\frac{w}{z}=\frac{x\cdot w}{y\cdot z}

Let's return to the problem and apply the above law:

a12a9a3a4=a12a3a9a4 \frac{a^{12}}{a^9}\cdot\frac{a^3}{a^4}=\frac{a^{12}\cdot a^3}{a^{^9}\cdot a^4}

From here on we will no longer indicate the multiplication sign, but use the conventional writing method where placing terms next to each other means multiplication.

Now we'll notice that both in the numerator and denominator, multiplication is performed between terms with identical bases, therefore we'll use the power law for multiplication between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bm+n b^m\cdot b^n=b^{m+n}

Note that this law can only be used to calculate multiplication between terms with identical bases.

Let's return to the problem and calculate separately the results of multiplication in the numerator and denominator:

a12a3a9a4=a12+3a9+4=a15a13 \frac{a^{12}a^3}{a^{^9}a^4}=\frac{a^{12+3}}{a^{9+4}}=\frac{a^{15}}{a^{13}}

where in the last step we calculated the sum of the exponents.

Now, we'll notice that we need to perform division (fraction=division operation between numerator and denominator) between terms with identical bases, therefore we'll use the power law for division between terms with the same base:

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

Note that this law can only be used to calculate division between terms with identical bases.

Let's return to the problem and apply the above law:

a15a13=a1513=a2 \frac{a^{15}}{a^{13}}=a^{15-13}=a^2

where in the last step we calculated the result of subtraction in the exponent.

We got the most simplified expression possible and therefore we're done,

therefore the correct answer is D.

Answer

a2 a^2

Exercise #9

Simplify the following:

b22b20×b30b20= \frac{b^{22}}{b^{20}}\times\frac{b^{30}}{b^{20}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's start with multiplying the fractions, remembering that multiplication of fractions is performed by multiplying numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator:

b22b20b30b20=b22b30b20b20 \frac{b^{22}}{b^{20}}\cdot\frac{b^{30}}{b^{20}}=\frac{b^{22}\cdot b^{30}}{b^{20}\cdot b^{20}}

Next, we'll notice that both in the numerator and denominator, multiplication occurs between terms with identical bases, so we'll use the power law for multiplying terms with identical bases:

cmcn=cm+n c^m\cdot c^n=c^{m+n}

We emphasize that this law can only be used when multiplication is performed between terms with identical bases.

From here on, we will no longer indicate the multiplication sign, but use the conventional writing method where placing terms next to each other means multiplication.
Let's return to the problem and apply the above power law separately to the fraction's numerator and denominator:

b22b30b20b20=b22+30b20+20=b52b40 \frac{b^{22}b^{30}}{b^{20}b^{20}}=\frac{b^{22+30}}{b^{20+20}}=\frac{b^{52}}{b^{40}}

where in the final step we calculated the sum of the exponents in the numerator and denominator.

Now we notice that division is required between two terms with identical bases, so we'll use the power law for division between terms with identical bases:

cmcn=cmn \frac{c^m}{c^n}=c^{m-n}

We emphasize that this law can only be used when division is performed between terms with identical bases.

Let's return to the problem and apply the above power law:

b52b40=b5240=b12 \frac{b^{52}}{b^{40}}=b^{52-40}=b^{12}

where in the final step we calculated the subtraction between the exponents.

We have obtained the most simplified expression and therefore we are done.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Answer

b12 b^{12}

Exercise #10

(y×7×3)4= (y\times7\times3)^4=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the power law for multiplication within parentheses:

(xy)n=xnyn (x\cdot y)^n=x^n\cdot y^n

We apply it in the problem:

(y73)4=y47434 (y\cdot7\cdot3)^4=y^4\cdot7^4\cdot3^4

Therefore, the correct answer is option a.

Note:

From the formula of the power property mentioned above, we can understand that it applies not only to two terms within parentheses, but also for multiple terms within parentheses.

Answer

y4×74×34 y^4\times7^4\times3^4

Exercise #11

(42)3+(g3)4= (4^2)^3+(g^3)^4=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the formula:

(am)n=am×n (a^m)^n=a^{m\times n}

(42)3+(g3)4=42×3+g3×4=46+g12 (4^2)^3+(g^3)^4=4^{2\times3}+g^{3\times4}=4^6+g^{12}

Answer

46+g12 4^6+g^{12}

Exercise #12

((y6)8)9= ((y^6)^8)^9=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the power rule of distributing exponents.

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n} We apply it in the problem:

((y6)8)9=(y68)9=y689=y432 \big((y^6)^8\big)^9=(y^{6\cdot8})^9=y^{6\cdot8\cdot9}=y^{432} When we use the aforementioned rule twice, the first time for the inner parentheses in the first stage and the second time for the remaining parentheses in the second stage, in the last stage we calculate the result of the multiplication in the power exponent.

Therefore, the correct answer is option b.

Answer

y432 y^{432}

Exercise #13

(a4)6= (a^4)^6=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the formula

(am)n=am×n (a^m)^n=a^{m\times n}

Therefore, we obtain:

a4×6=a24 a^{4\times6}=a^{24}

Answer

a24 a^{24}

Exercise #14

((b3)6)2= ((b^3)^6)^2=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the formula

(am)n=am×n (a^m)^n=a^{m\times n}

Therefore, we obtain:

((b3)6)2=(b3×6)2=(b18)2=b18×2=b36 ((b^3)^6)^2=(b^{3\times6})^2=(b^{18})^2=b^{18\times2}=b^{36}

Answer

b36 b^{36}

Exercise #15

(5x3)3= (5\cdot x\cdot3)^3=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the formula:

(a×b)n=anbn (a\times b)^n=a^nb^n

(5×x×3)3=(15x)3 (5\times x\times3)^3=(15x)^3

(15x)3=(15×x)3 (15x)^3=(15\times x)^3

153x3 15^3x^3

Answer

153x3 15^3\cdot x^3

Exercise #16

(x43)3= (x\cdot4\cdot3)^3=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let us begin by using the law of exponents for a power that is applied to parentheses in which terms are multiplied:

(xy)n=xnyn (x\cdot y)^n=x^n\cdot y^n

We apply the rule to our problem:

(x43)3=x34333 (x\cdot4\cdot3)^3= x^3\cdot4^3\cdot3^3

When we apply the power to the product of the terms within parentheses, we apply the power to each term of the product separately and keep the product,

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Answer

x34333 x^3\cdot4^3\cdot3^3

Exercise #17

Solve the exercise:

Y2+Y6Y5Y= Y^2+Y^6-Y^5\cdot Y=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the power property to multiply terms with identical bases:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n} We apply it in the problem:

Y2+Y6Y5Y=Y2+Y6Y5+1=Y2+Y6Y6=Y2 Y^2+Y^6-Y^5\cdot Y=Y^2+Y^6-Y^{5+1}=Y^2+Y^6-Y^6=Y^2 When we apply the previous property to the third expression from the left in the sum, and then simplify the total expression by adding like terms.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

Answer

Y2 Y^2

Exercise #18

a4=? a^{-4}=\text{?}

(a0) (a\ne0)

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We begin by using the negative exponent rule.

bn=1bn b^{-n}=\frac{1}{b^n} We apply it to the problem:

a4=1a4 a^{-4}=\frac{1}{a^4} Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Answer

1a4 \frac{1}{a^4}

Exercise #19

((a2)3)14= ((a^2)^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the power rule for exponents.

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n} We apply it to the problem:

((a2)3)14=(a23)14=a2314=a64=a32 \big((a^2)^3\big)^{\frac{1}{4}}=(a^{2\cdot3})^{\frac{1}{4}}=a^{2\cdot3\cdot\frac{1}{4}}=a^{\frac{6}{4}}=a^{\frac{3}{2}} When we use the previously mentioned rule twice, the first time for the inner parentheses in the first stage and the second time for the remaining parentheses in the second stage, in the third stage we calculate the result of the multiplication in the exponent. While remembering that multiplying by a fraction is actually doubling the numerator of the fraction and, finally, in the last stage we simplify the fraction we obtained in the exponent.

Now remember that -

32=112=1.5 \frac{3}{2}=1\frac{1}{2}=1.5

Therefore, the correct answer is option a.

Answer

a1.5 a^{1.5}

Exercise #20

Simplify the following:

[a4a3×a8a7]:a10a8 \lbrack\frac{a^4}{a^3}\times\frac{a^8}{a^7}\rbrack:\frac{a^{10}}{a^8}

Video Solution

Answer

1 1