Exponents - Math Central

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Quandaries & Queries

Question from Calvin, a parent:

Exponential form
5 3exponent x 5 4exponent divide 5 2exponent

Hi Calvin,

When dealing with exponents applied to the same base, you add the
exponents when multiplying terms and subtract when dividing.

For example,
(10²) x (10⁴) / (10³)
= 10^2+4-3
= 10³.

Prove it to yourself with easy powers of ten:
(10²) x (10⁴) / (10³)
= 100 x 10000 / 1000
= 1000000 / 1000
= 1000
= 10³.

Cheers,
Stephen La Rocque.

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