TOPIC

Exponents: Product rule (a^x)(a^y) = a^(x+y)

MY PROGRESS

Pug Score

0%

Best Streak

0 in a row

Study Points

+0

Overview

Practice

Watch

Read

Quiz

Next Steps


Get Started

Get unlimited access to all videos, practice problems, and study tools.

Unlimited practice
Full videos

Back to Menu

Topic Progress

Pug Score

0%

Videos Watched

0/0

Best Practice

No score

Read

Not viewed

Best Quiz

No attempts


Best Streak

0 in a row

Study Points

+0

Overview

Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10
1. Operations on powers with integral exponents
1.11 Exponents: Product rule (a^x)(a^y) = a^(x+y)

Exponent Product Rule: Multiplying Exponents with the Same Base

Discover how the product rule for exponents lets you multiply powers with the same base by simply adding their exponents.


What You'll Learn

The product rule states that a to the x times a to the y equals a to the power of x plus y, as long as the bases are the same
The rule works because multiplying powers of the same base means combining repeated factors of that base
The bases must match exactly before you can add exponents, so 2 to the x times 3 to the x cannot be combined this way
The product rule also applies to negative and fractional exponents once the bases line up
Mixing up the product rule with the power rule is a common mistake, since one adds exponents and the other multiplies them

What You'll Practice

1

Multiplying simple powers with the same base

2

Simplifying expressions with multiple variables and exponents

3

Combining numerical coefficients with exponential terms

4

Working with implicit exponents (recognizing variables as power of 1)

Why This Matters

The product rule is fundamental for all higher-level algebra, from polynomial operations to solving exponential equations. You'll use this rule constantly in pre-calculus, calculus, chemistry, and physics whenever you work with scientific notation or compound growth.

Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:

This Unit Includes

2 Video lessons
Practice exercises
Learning resources

Skills

Exponent Rules
Product Rule
Powers
Algebra
Simplification
Variables
Pug instructor
bc flag

BC Curriculum Aligned