Exponent Law - Part 2

Lesson icon
Lesson Objective
This lesson shows you the basics behind the next three exponent laws. You'll learn how these laws are actually formulated...
Why icon
About This Lesson
This lesson is a continuation from the lesson Exponent Laws - Part 1.

The next three laws that you are going to learn can be derived from the first three laws shown in Part 1. So, the ideas behind these laws are not completely new.

Again, it is important for you to understand these laws before using them. This helps to minimize mistakes.
The next three exponent laws to demonstrate

Study Tips

Tips icon
Tip #1
first law of exponents
Let's recall the first three exponent laws before proceeding further. The picture below shows the 1st law. Here is an example on how to use it:

       6a10 x 3a-5 = 6 x 3 x a10 x a-5
                       = 18 x a10 + (-5)
                       = 18 x a10 -5
                       = 18a5

Tips icon
Tip #2
second law of exponents
As for the 2nd law of exponent, the picture below shows the law. Here is an example on how to use it:

       6a10 ÷ 3a-5 = 2a10 ÷ a-5
                       = 2a10 - (-5)
                       = 2a10 + 5
                       = 2a15

Tips icon
Tip #3
third law of exponents
Finally, for the 3rd law of exponent, the picture below shows the law. Here is an example on how to use it:

           2(a10)-5 = 2 x a10 x (-5)
                       = 2a-50
                     

Tips icon
Tip #4
You may come across terms like a1 or 21. These terms simply mean that:

                              a1 = a     
                              21 = 2

We can explain them using the following observation:

                             23 = 2 x 2 x 2
                             22 = 2 x 2
            Therefore:   21 = 2
Now, watch the following math video to learn the next three laws.

Math Video

Math video icon
Click play to watch video

If the above player doesn't work, try this direct link.

Math videos icon
Math Video Transcript

Practice Questions & More

Math video icon
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Now, let's try some MCQ questions to understand this lesson better.

You can start by going through the series of questions on exponent laws - Part 2 or pick your choice of question below.
  1. Question 1 on the basics of the next three exponent laws
Math video icon
More Lessons
Here are more lessons that you might be interested:
  1. Lesson on the first three laws
  2. Examples on using these laws