Exponents provide a compact way to write multiplication and division. Raising a number to the zero power equals 1, unless the base is 0. When multiplying like bases, you add the exponents, and when raising a power to another power you multiply the exponents. Dividing powers with the same base subtracts the exponents. Negative exponents indicate to write the number with the denominator as the base and the numerator as the exponent.

1. Skill3 Exponents
Exponents are a way to write multiplication and division in a compact
Way. It saves time and paper to write with exponents. See pages 56-59a
In the book. On the test, the bases will be numbers like 2,3,or 5 instead of letters (variables).
25 Or 32.

2. A number raised to the zero power is 1. Always (unless the base is zero).
(-5)0 = 1
30 = 1

3. Multiplying like (the same number) bases.

4. Raising a base that already has a power to another power
or in other words a power of a power
See if you can figure out the rule by looking at the three examples.

5. Dividing powers of the same base (the bases must be the same
number. Look at the three examples. What is going on?

6. Negative exponents (NOTE: This use of a negative sign doesn’t mean a negative number.

7. Mixed practice. Try these. Then look at page 59a for some other practice problems.