Write the expression using a single exponent

Question

anonymous · Answer

f^ 7 • f ^1  

A    f^8
B    f^7
C    (2f)^8
D    (2f)^7

whpalmer4 · Answer

Here the thing to remember is that when multiplying exponentials with the same base, you just add the exponents:

$$a^n*a^m = a^{n+m}$$

For a graphic demonstration, consider $a^3*a^2$
$$a^3*a^2= (a*a*a)*(a*a) = (a*a*a*a*a) = a^5$$

anonymous · Answer

So the answer is A?

whpalmer4 · Answer

If my explanation made any sense, you should be able to tell me the answer with confidence :-)

anonymous · Answer

LOL, okay then, The answer is A

whpalmer4 · Answer

$$f^7*f^1 = (f*f*f*f*f*f*f)*(f) = f*f*f*f*f*f*f*f = f^8$$

anonymous · Answer

Got it :) thank you so much for explaining it

whpalmer4 · Answer

You bet.  This is one of (many) things where solid understanding will save much heartache later :-)

anonymous · Answer

Haha, okay, thanks again :)

whpalmer4 · Answer

But very important to remember that the bases MUST be equal to do this.  In other words, you can't do $$x^2*y^3 = xy^5$$ or anything like that. $$x^2*y^3 = x^2y^3$$

anonymous · Answer

ohh, so you cant simply just add them together...

whpalmer4 · Answer

Yeah.  Going back to the graphic version:$$x^2*y^3 = (x*x)*(y*y*y) = x^2y^3$$Unless you have more knowledge about the values of $x$ and $y$, that's all you can do.

anonymous · Answer

Got it, thanks for explaining it, it really helps a lot!

whpalmer4 · Answer

Hey, do you want a quick review of all of this exponent stuff?

anonymous · Answer

I would love to but I have a test due in the morning and I need to get that done ASAP, Im checking my answers on here

whpalmer4 · Answer

Okay, no problem.  Good luck with the test!

anonymous · Answer

Thank you for the offer though, It means a lot! and haha, thanks :)