1. MTH 091 Section 10.1 Exponents

2. Introduction In this section we introduce some of the rules for dealing with exponential expressions. Other rules will be introduced in later sections. Recall that, when we evaluate an expression, we substitute and simplify according to the order of operations.

3. Examples Evaluate each of the following for x = -2, y = 1, z = 3:

4. The Rules PRODUCT RULE: If you multiply with like bases, keep the base and add the exponents. POWER RULE: If you raise a power to a power, keep the base and multiply the exponents. POWER OF A PRODUCT AND QUOTIENT RULES: Exponents distribute over both products and quotients. QUOTIENT RULE: If you divide with like bases, keep the base and subtract the exponents. ZERO EXPONENT: Anything to the zero power is 1.

5. More Examples

6. Still More Examples

7. Just A Couple More…