Question

When can I add exponents?

Answer 1

`x^a xx x^b=x^(a+b)`

Explanation:

Exponents can be added when two of the same base are multiplied. That is, `x^a xx x^b = x^(a+b)`. For example:

• `2^3xx2^5 = 2^(3+5)=2^8`

• `5^(-1)xx5^1 = 5^(-1+1) = 5^0 = 1`

• `7^(1/4)xx7^(3/4) = 7^(1/4+3/4) = 7^(1)=7`

Note that this does not apply when the bases are different.