Math Concept: Exponents

1. What are they?

1.1. An exponent is the same as multiplying a number by itself, ex 3x3x3 = 3^3

1.2. Every number has an exponent!

1.2.1. If the number is unknown it is shown with n

1.2.2. If there is no number, it is implied to be 1

2. Exponent Rules

2.1. If an exponent is 0, the entire number is 1, ex A^0 = 1

2.2. If the exponent is negative, reciprocal and change to positive, ex 3^-3 = 1/3^3

3. Addition and Subtraction of Exponents

3.1. If the bases are the same, you can add or subtract the equation, ex 3^3+3^3 = 2x3^3

3.2. When the base and the exponent are the same you can add or subtract, ex 3a^3 - a^3 = 2a^3

3.3. If the exponents are different, you cannot add, ex 3^3+3^4

4. Multiplication and Division

4.1. Only numbers with the same base can be multiplied or divided

4.1.1. Multiplication: 3^3 x 3^4 = 3^7

4.1.2. Division: 3^4 / 3^3 = 3^1