Laws of Exponents
Repeated multiplication can be written in exponential form.
In general, if ɑ is a real number, variable, or algebraic expression and is a positive integer, then:
ɑn = ɑ• ɑ• ɑ• ɑ• ɑ• ɑ… ɑ
n factors
where n is the exponent and ɑ is the base. The expression ɑn is read “ɑ to the power nth.” An exponent can be negative as well.
Learn more about the laws of exponents by reading the explanation below.
Practice: Apply the laws of exponents to simplify expressions in the exercises below.