# High School Math : Distributing Exponents

## Example Questions

### Example Question #7 : Simplifying Exponents

Solve for .

Explanation:

First, set up the equation: . Simplifying this result gives .

### Example Question #1 : Simplifying Exponents

What is the largest positive integer, , such that  is a factor of ?

5

10

16

8

20

16

Explanation:

. Thus,  is equal to 16.

### Example Question #9 : Simplifying Exponents

Order the following from least to greatest:

Explanation:

In order to solve this problem, each of the answer choices needs to be simplified.

Instead of simplifying completely, make all terms into a form such that they have 100 as the exponent.  Then they can be easily compared.

, , and .

Thus, ordering from least to greatest: .

### Example Question #10 : Simplifying Exponents

Simplify the expression:

Cannot be simplified

Explanation:

Begin by distributing the exponent through the parentheses. The power rule dictates that an exponent raised to another exponent means that the two exponents are multiplied:

Any negative exponents can be converted to positive exponents in the denominator of a fraction:

The like terms can be simplified by subtracting the power of the denominator from the power of the numerator: