Exponent Laws
By Skyler Middleton
Multiplication rule
When you multiply numbers with exponents that has the same base, you add the exponents together and keep the same base.
Ex: (x^2)x^3=x^5
Division rule
When you divide numbers with exponents that have the same base, you subtract the bottom exponent from the top exponent and keep the same the same base.
Ex: x^5/x^3=x^2
Distributing rule
When you are distributing an exponent into a number with an exponent, you multiply the exponents together. You don't keep the same base unless it's a variable because the number is also affected by the exponent.
Ex: (x^3)^4=x^12
Negative rule
When you end up with a negative exponent, you need to make it positive by moving it to the denominator. If it's already positive, it stays in the numerator.
Ex: x^-2=1/x^2