The Exponent Laws
By : Fernando Rodriguez
Adding Exponents
In order to add exponents the equation would have to be multiplication. If the exponent is a fraction you must make sure they have the same denominator in order to add them. If they don't have the same denominator you need to find the LCD (least common denominator) so then you can add the numerator and keep the common denominator.
Subtracting Exponents
If there is a problem where in that case the exponents are in a fraction such as a^ x / a^ y then in that case you subtract the exponents in order to simplify the equation. so in that example you will subtract x-y and the answer will be the exponent.
When Do We Multiply Or Divide The Exponents ?
Multiplying Exponents
In a case where the exponents is outside of the parenthesis and there is already a base and an exponent inside the parenthesis such as (x^2)^3 you multiply the exponent that is already inside the parenthesis with the exponent outside the parenthesis.
Dividing Exponents
This might seem be a little confusing but in reality its quite simple. When you have a negative exponents such as x^ -3 you make a fraction and make the exponent positive and then put it at the denominator along with the base. So in that example it would look like 1/x^3. and that is your final answer.