Simplifying expressions with exponents - IntoMath

Simplifying expressions with exponents is an important skill that is required to comfortably work with different types of functions and their equations. It is especially useful when solving polynomial and rational equations.

We already looked at the concept of exponent in previous grades. However, we only operated integer exponents.

In this lesson we are moving further and learning about rational exponents and their properties.

A rational exponent is an exponent expressed as a fraction m/n.

A power containing a rational exponent can be transformed into a radical form of an expression, involving the n-th root of a number.

The n-th root of a number a is another number, that when raised to the exponent n produces a.

We are also practicing how to use negative exponents in this lesson and discussing the difference between even and odd exponents.

In addition, we are analyzing the base of 0 raised to a rational exponent.

Simplifying expressions with exponents requires us to use a variety of exponent laws and properties. We may start with a really complex expression that, when simplified, could result in one variable or a number.

More free math help and activities: intomath.org