How can you memorize exponent rules?

Answer 1

See explanation...

Using positive integer exponents first:

#a^n = overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"n times"#

Then, as you can see:

#a^m xx a^n = overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"m times" xx overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"n times"#
#=overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"m + n times" = a^(m+n)#

When multiplying two numbers expressed in scientific notation, this is helpful. For instance:

#(1.2 xx 10^3) xx (2.4 xx 10^6)#
#=(1.2 xx 2.4) xx (10^3 xx 10^6)#
#=2.88 xx 10^(3+6)#
#=2.88 xx 10^9#
#color(white)()# For negative exponents, first note that if #a != 0#:
#a^(-n) = 1/underbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)_"n times"#

and we discover:

#a^n xx a^(-n) = overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"n times" xx 1/underbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)_"n times"#
#=overbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)^"n times"/underbrace(a xx a xx ... xx a)_"n times" = 1#
We find that the rule: #a^m xx a^n = a^(m+n)# works for any integer values of #m# and #n#, positive, negative or #0#.
#color(white)()# The next level of complexity is:
#(a^m)^n = overbrace(a^m xx a^m xx .. xx a^m)^"n times" = a^(mn)#

As an illustration:

#(2^2)^3 = 4^3 = 64#
#color(white)()# Finally note that #a^(m^n)# is evaluated from right to left.

That is:

#a^(m^n) = a^((m^n))#

As an illustration:

#2^(2^3) = 2^8 = 256#
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Answer 2

One effective method for memorizing exponent rules is through repetition and practice. It's essential to understand the rules first, and then reinforce your knowledge through various exercises. Additionally, mnemonics or memory aids can be helpful. Here are some key exponent rules along with mnemonic devices:

  1. Product Rule: (a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}) - "Add when you multiply."
  2. Quotient Rule: (a^m \div a^n = a^{m-n}) - "Subtract when you divide."
  3. Power Rule: ((a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}) - "Multiply when you raise a power to a power."
  4. Power of a Product Rule: ((ab)^n = a^n \times b^n) - "Distribute the power."
  5. Power of a Quotient Rule: ((\frac{a}{b})^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n}) - "Distribute the power to the numerator and denominator."
  6. Zero Exponent Rule: (a^0 = 1) - "Anything to the power of zero is one."
  7. Negative Exponent Rule: (a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}) - "Flip the base when you have a negative exponent."

Practicing problems using these rules regularly will reinforce your memory and understanding of exponent operations. Additionally, creating flashcards or mnemonic devices tailored to your learning style can further aid in retention.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

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