The Lesson
Powers can be multiplied together. To multiply powers, add the exponents together. This is a law of exponents.How to Multiply Powers in Algebra
Multiplying powers in algebra is easy.Question
Use the law of exponents to multiply the powers below.Step-by-Step:
1
Check that the bases of the powers are the same. In our example, the bases are both x.
2
Find the exponents of the powers
- Find the exponent of the first power. In our example, the first power has an exponent of 2.
- Find the exponent of the second power. In our example, the second power has an exponent of 3.
3
Add the exponents from Step 2 (2 and 3).
2 + 3 = 5
4
Make the answer from Step 3 (5) the exponent of the base of the powers that have been multiplied.
Answer:
We have multiplied the powers together.Understanding Multiplying Powers in Algebra
Let us look at the rule for multiplying powers in algebra:- We are multiplying powers. am, an and am + n are powers.
- The base in each power is a. This law of exponents only applies when the bases are the same.
- The exponents in each power are m, n and m + n. This law of exponents applies even when the exponents are different.