1. Section 5.1 Integer Exponents

2. Overview Recall that exponents are used to indicate repeated multiplication: In this section we explore properties of exponents that will be true for all real number bases and all integer exponents.

3. The Product Rule When you multiply with like bases, keep the bases and add the exponents.

4. The Zero Rule Anything to the zero power is 1.

5. The “Understood 1” Rule Anything to the first power is that thing.

6. Negative Exponents Any expression with a negative exponent can be re-written as an expression with a positive exponent.

7. Quotient Rule When you divide with like bases, keep the base and subtract the exponents.

8. Power Rules These rules apply to products, quotients, or powers being raised to powers. When you raise a power to a power, keep the base and multiply the exponents. These two properties are the “distributive” properties of exponents.

9. Examples