Using the Laws of Exponents

Before you begin working with monomials and polynomials, you will need to understand the laws of exponents. There are three laws or properties that I am going to discuss in this lesson.

We will look at the following properties:

For each of the three laws, we will write a few examples in expanded form. This will help you to understand why the law works. The I will define the property. Finally we will look at a few examples.

Ok... let's get started!

Multiplying Powers with the Same Base

Power of a Power Property

Power of a Product Property

Those are the only three properties that you'll need to remember for this unit! As you complete the practice problems below, refer back to the properties if needed!

Practice Problems

Directions: For each problem identify the property used. Then simplify to lowest terms.

Answer Key

Great Job! Now let's move onto Multiplying Monomials!