Question 108800

Definition of Exponents 


{{{x^n = x*x*x*x…..*x}}}

-note there are {{{n}}}  {{{x's}}} in the product 
-{{{x = base}}}, and    {{{ n = exponent}}}

Exponents are {{{another}}}{{{ way}}} (shorter way) to write multiplication.

Example:

Write the base {{{6}}} in a product {{{7}}} times

{{{6*6*6*6*6*6*6 = 6^7}}}

Write the base {{{-6}}} in a product {{{5}}} times

{{{(-6)(-6)(-6)(-6)(-6) = (-6)^5}}}

when you divide like bases you subtract their exponents, that is the Quotient Rule for Exponents
-in general:

{{{x^m/x^n = x^(m-n)}}} 

  

Example:

{{{x^15/x^12 = x^(15-12) = x^3}}}