Power of a Power Property of Exponents
Property —
Power of a Power Property of Exponents
English To raise a power to a power, multiply the exponents.
Algebra (xm)n = xmn
(Here, m and n are positive integers.)
Example (72)4 = 72 · 4
= 78
Example
a. Use the Power of a Power Property of Exponents to simplify (52)3.
b. Use the definition of exponential notation to justify your answer.
Solution
a. To raise a power to a power, multiply the exponents.
(52)3 = 52 · 3
= 56
b. Rewrite each power to show the factors. Then simplify.
Example 2
Simplify: (y5)3
Solution
To simplify a power of a power,
multiply the exponents. (y5)3 = y5
· 3 = y15
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