Lesson 7 of 8
Exponents & Polynomials
An exponent tells you how many times to multiply a base by itself. In x^3, x is the base and 3 is the exponent, so x^3 = x times x times x.
Exponent rules
- ●Multiply same bases: add the exponents. x^2 * x^3 = x^5
- ●Divide same bases: subtract the exponents. x^5 / x^2 = x^3
- ●Power of a power: multiply the exponents. (x^2)^3 = x^6
- ●Anything to the 0 power is 1. x^0 = 1
Polynomials
A polynomial is terms added or subtracted, like 3x^2 + 2x - 5. To ADD them, just combine like terms. Example: (3x^2 + 2x) + (x^2 - 5x) = 4x^2 - 3x.
To MULTIPLY two binomials, use FOIL: First, Outer, Inner, Last. Example: (x + 2)(x + 3) = x^2 + 3x + 2x + 6 = x^2 + 5x + 6.
REMEMBER
When you MULTIPLY same bases you ADD exponents. Don't multiply the exponents unless it's a power raised to a power.