Question 13 on the MAT0020/24C Beginning Algebra State Exam

Simplify Exponential Expressions (Positive and Negative Integer Exp.)

Solution:

Simplify: 

Know the exponent rules:

Exponent Rules:

One way to simplify is to make all of the negative exponents positive by moving them from numerator to denominator or vice versa.

The next step is the combine like terms using the exponent rules.

The solution is: 

Practice Problems for Question 13

Simplify Exponential Expressions (Positive and Negative Integer Exp.)

Solutions Below

1.  Simplify:     

a.                        b.                           c.                           d. 

2.  Simplify:     

a.                      b.                            c.                                      d. 

3.  Simplify:     

a.                          b.                         c.                       d. 

4.  Simplify:     

a.                         b.                           c.                           d. 

Solutions:

1.  a                 2.  c                             3.  a                 4.  b