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do you add or subtract exponents if the base is the same

 Apr 26, 2015

Best Answer 

 #2
avatar+128475 
+5

 

 

It depends upon the operation......if multiplying, we "keep" the base and add the exponents. If dividing, we "keep" the base and subtract the exponents. Thus.....

2^3 * 2^5   =  2^(2 + 5) =  2^7

AND

2^3 / 2^5   = 2^(2 - 5)  = 2^-3

 

We don't have any "rules" for addition and subtraction....thus....

a^3 + a^5    

And

a^7 - a^4    

Remain, as is ..... {unless we wanted to "factor" these}

 

 

  

 Apr 26, 2015
 #1
avatar+173 
0

Ummm...yes

 Apr 26, 2015
 #2
avatar+128475 
+5
Best Answer

 

 

It depends upon the operation......if multiplying, we "keep" the base and add the exponents. If dividing, we "keep" the base and subtract the exponents. Thus.....

2^3 * 2^5   =  2^(2 + 5) =  2^7

AND

2^3 / 2^5   = 2^(2 - 5)  = 2^-3

 

We don't have any "rules" for addition and subtraction....thus....

a^3 + a^5    

And

a^7 - a^4    

Remain, as is ..... {unless we wanted to "factor" these}

 

 

  

CPhill Apr 26, 2015

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