Product of Powers
How to solve the product of powers am⋅an: formula, 2 examples, and their solutions.
Formula
am⋅an = am + n
When multiplying the same base powers,
add the exponents (m + n).
Examplex6⋅x8
Solution
Solution (Detail)
x6 and x8 have the same base: x.
So x6⋅x8 = x6 + 8.
6 + 8 = 14.
So x14 is the answer.
Example(32xy4)⋅(3x3y7)
Solution
Solution (Detail)
32 and 3 have the same base: 3.
So 32⋅3 = 32 + 1.
x and x3 have the same base: x.
So x⋅x3 = x1 + 3.
y4 and y7 have the same base: y.
So y4⋅y7 = y4 + 7.
So (given) = 32 + 1⋅x1 + 3⋅y4 + 7.
The same base powers are combined.
Simplify the exponents.
2 + 1 = 3
1 + 3 = 4
4 + 7 = 11
33 = 27
So 27x4y11 is the answer.