A Guide to the GRE/Exponents

= Exponents =

The GRE frequently tests exponents, which are numbers indicating how many times a value has been multiplied into a given system.

Rule
When multiplying exponents, add the exponent numbers; when raising exponents to a power, multiply the exponent numbers.

An exponent is a statement of how many times a number has been multiplied into a given system. 25 is equal to 52 or 5(5). Multiplying 52 by 52 equals 5(5)(5)(5) or 54. Raising an exponent to a power multiplies the exponent numbers, while multiplying exponents merely adds their numbers.


 * a3(a4) = a7


 * (b5)6 = b30

A negative exponent equals one divided by the number raised to that exponent; a fractional exponent indicates a radical of the corresponding degree.

Exponent of "0" is equal to 1
A number with an exponent of “0” equals 1.

x0 = 1

Practice
1.	What does y2(y5) equal?

2. 	If (m4)4 = mx what does x equal?

3. 	If $$\tfrac{1}{2}$$ is equal to q−2 then what does q equal?

Answers to Practice Questions
1. y7

When multiplying, add the exponent numbers.

2. 16

When raising exponents to a power, multiply the exponent numbers.

3. $$\sqrt{2}$$

Negative exponents indicate 1 divided by the number raised to this exponent.

q−2 is $$\tfrac{1}{q^2}$$ so since q−2 = $$\tfrac{1}{2}$$, then q2 must equal 2 and q must equal $$\sqrt{2}$$.