What I have learned about grade 9 exponents

What is and exponent?

–        An exponent refers to the number of times a number is multiplied by itself

 2^3 = 2x2x2

What is the difference between evaluating and simplifying?

–        Evaluating is when substitute values for variables to solve the expression and simplifying is reducing an expression to a simpler form that is easier to work with.

Evaluating = x^3, if x equals 2 than 2^3 = 8

Simplifying = 2^4 x 2^7 = 2^11 

Multiplication law

–        When multiplying 2 powers with the same base you add the exponents.

2^3 * 2^5 = 2^8

Division law

–        When dividing 2 powers with the same base you subtract the exponents.

4^6 / 4^3 = 4^3

Power of a power law

–        When you raise a power to a power you multiply the exponents.

(x^5)^4 = x^20

Exponents on variables

–       An unknown number is raised to a power.

x^5       The variable x is raised to a power of 5.