Algebra:  Exponents
        


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When multiplying with the same base, add the exponents:
          
      For example,  x ^2  X  x ^3  =  x ^6   (A raised caret indicates an exponent.)

When determining a power to a power, multiply the exponents:
          
      For example,  x ^3^4  =  x ^12   (A raised caret indicates an exponent.)
  
A negative exponent means divide:
      the base and its exponent are the denominator of a fraction.
 
                                                                  1
       For example,  (a + b) ^ -2    means  -------------  (Raised caret is exponent.)
                                                            (a + b) ^2
 
In a fractional exponent,
       the numerator is the power;  the denominator is the root.

       In (a + b) ^ 1/2      the 1 means (a + b) to the first power and
                                   the 2 means the squre root of  (a + b) ^ 1/2
                                   (A raised caret indicates an exponent.)
    
Practice with official SAT questions:
        Easy:  page 459, #2  >  Go to explanation
          Moderate:  page 425, #8  >  Go to explanation
          Difficult:  page 426, #14  >  Go to explanation

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Many students believe the SAT is a test of advanced math, but the SAT
has only arithmetic, algebra, and geometry - no trigonometry or calculus.
SAT TIP:  Memorize just four
                exponent rules.
Math Review