Adding and Subtracting Exponents

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Adding and Subtracting Exponents

• By Terri LeGault

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Adding Exponents

• When adding exponents you do not add together the
  exponents themselves. You add the base and its
  exponent with the other base and its exponent.
• Examples 42 62 16 36 52 23 75
  8 16,807 16,815 200 183 1 5,832
  5,833 52 54 25 625 650

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Common Mistakes

• The biggest mistake people make is that they add
  the exponents together when the bases are the
  same.
• When adding you have to make sure that youve
  solved the bases and their exponents first.

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Subtracting Exponents

• Subtracting exponents applies the same way as
  adding exponents.
• You first figure out the bases and their
  exponents before you subtract the two numbers.
• Examples 72 32 49 9 40
• 93 44 729 256 473
• 55 54 3125 -625 2500

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Common Mistakes

• Just like when adding exponents you have to
  remember that you do not actually add together
  the exponents themselves.
• 52 50 does not equal 52
• 67 64 does not equal 63
• 89 33 does not equal 56
• Remember to always solve the exponents before
  subtracting them.

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Worksheet and Answers

• Adding and Subtracting Exponents Worksheet
• Answers for Worksheet