Math Help Exponents
February 24th, 2006
Question: Math Exponents Help?
Is it possible to simplify e^x + e^(x+2). If so, how.
Answer: you know how exponents work?
what is:
(x^2) * (x^3)
that is the same thing as:
(x*x)*(x*x*x)
which is the same thing as
x*x*x*x*x or x^5
and if you start with just x then multiply by x you get:
x*x = x^2 (1+1=2)
multiply by x again
x^2*x= x^3 (2+1=3)
so, the point is… you _add the exponents_ when you multiply like bases together…
so e^(x+2) is:
e^x*e^2
put that into your original equation
e^x + e^x*e^2
factor out e^x
e^x(1+e^2)
which is probably what they are looking for.
See the “Product Rule” at the reference below.
“The exponent “product rule” tells us that, when multiplying two powers that have the same base, you can add the exponents. In this example, you can see how it works. Adding the exponents is just a short cut!”
Also, look at example 3 of things not to do at the second link.
Math Help Exponents 2: More Definitions
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