Summary: Simplifying Expressions With Exponents

 

Key Concepts

  • Exponential Notation

On the left side, a raised to the m is shown. The m is labeled in blue as an exponent. The a is labeled in red as the base. On the right, it says a to the m means multiply m factors of a. Below this, it says a to the m equals a times a times a times a, with m factors written below in blue.
This is read a to the mth power.

  • Product Property of Exponents
    • If a is a real number and m,n are counting numbers, then
      aman=am+n
    • To multiply with like bases, add the exponents.
  • Power Property for Exponents
    • If a is a real number and m,n are counting numbers, then
      (am)n=amn
  • Product to a Power Property for Exponents
    • If a and b are real numbers and m is a whole number, then
      (ab)m=ambm