Question

Write 5^2 x 5^-1 x 5^3 as a single exponent.
A. 5^4
B. 5^-6
C. 5^5
D. 5^2

Answer 1

When you have several exponents that share the same base, then you can add/subtract the exponent of the common base when you multiply/divide

Answer 2

So for this we have a common base of 5, and the exponents 2, -1, and 3. So \[5^2*5^{-1}*5^3 = 5^4\]