SOLUTION: The answer for a problem I'm working on says that 3^t ⋅ 125^t = 375^t. Is this correct? Because according to the problem solver, you can't solve or simplify this type of prob

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: The answer for a problem I'm working on says that 3^t ⋅ 125^t = 375^t. Is this correct? Because according to the problem solver, you can't solve or simplify this type of prob      Log On


   

Question 919296: The answer for a problem I'm working on says that 3^t ⋅ 125^t = 375^t. Is this correct? Because according to the problem solver, you can't solve or simplify this type of problem any further. Thanks!
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20059) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The rules are:

1. When the BASES are the same, to MULTIPLY, you ADD the EXPONENTS. U%5EV%2AU%5EW=U%5E%28V%2BW%29

2. When the EXPONENTS are the same, to MULTIPLY, you MULTIPLY BASES. U%5EV%2AW%5EV=%28UW%29%5EV

So 3%5Et%2A125%5Et+=+375%5Et is true and is just a case of rule 2.

What there are no GENERAL rules for are:

1.  U%5EV+%2B-+W%5EV, when V is a variable. 
 
2.  U%5EV+%2B-+A%2AV, when a variable V is an exponent in one term and not in another.

Edwin