This document explains the product rule for exponents. It states that when multiplying two powers with the same base, you can add the exponents. As an example, it shows that (43)(43) = (46). It notes you cannot add exponents from different bases, like (43)(53) = (206). The product rule allows keeping the same base and adding the exponents when multiplying terms with the same base.

1. By
Eric Israel
PRODUCT RULE

2. directions
 Step one check to make sure the bases are
the same
 Step two check to make sure that the two #
with powers are being multiplied together
 Step 3 keep the bases the same and add the
exponents together.

3.  The exponent "product rule" tells us that, when
multiplying two powers that have the same base, you
can add the exponents

4. In this example, you can see how it works. Adding the
exponents is just a short cut!
 (43 )(43)
(4)(4)(4) (4)(4)(4)
 (43 )(43)
(46 )

5.  However you cannot add powers from different bases
for example
 (43 )(53) (206 )

6.  You also can add multiply bases together
 For example
 (43 )(43) (4)
(4)(4)(4) (4)(4)(4)(4)

7.  It can also be reversed like
 (4)(4)(4) (4)(4)(4)(4)
(47 )

8.  Something to keep in mined is that a 4 still has a
power of 1 so it can be added with other 4’s

9. The end
 Now you can add exponents