Simplifying x³ · x⁵ ÷ x²

Algebra 1 · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Simplifying Exponents with Multiple Rules Simplify step by step, applying the exponent rules correctly. Simplify the expression . The base x is the same throughout, so we can combine the powers using the product rule (for the multiplication) and the quotient rule (for the division). Nice work — you simplified to x^6 using two exponent rules in sequence. Remember: Product Rule: when multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: . Quotient Rule: when dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: . Work systematically: handle one operation at a time, following the order of operations. Check your work: add when multiplying, subtract when dividing — never multiply the exponents. These rules show up constantly throughout Algebra 1 and beyond — practice spotting which one applies in each situation.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Algebra 1 course.