Exponent Arithmetic
Starting points, what the symbols mean :
Fractional exponents are a way to represent roots :
If w2 = s, then w = s1/2 That is, a 1/2 exponent is another way to write square root.
The nice thing about exponents is that you can do many
calculations without using your
calculator , and in science we express many quantities as powers of ten .
In multiplication , add exponents when the same number (in the case shown, 10) is raised to a power:
In division , subtract exponents when the same number (in the case shown, 10) is raised to a power:
When raising to a power , multiply . When taking a root , divide as shown below:
Problems for practice:
I have intentionally set up the following problems so you could solve them
without a
calculator if you apply the rules above . Please try solving these in your head
or use a piece of paper.
If you use a calculator , you are defeating the purpose of the exercise.
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