HiSET: Math : Rational exponents and the properties of exponents

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HiSET: Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Numbers And Operations On Numbers

Rewrite as a single power of \displaystyle y:

\displaystyle (y^{2})^{3} \cdot y (y^{2})

Possible Answers:

\displaystyle y^{7}

\displaystyle y^{9}

\displaystyle y^{8}

\displaystyle y^{12}

\displaystyle y^{18}

Correct answer:

\displaystyle y^{9}

Explanation:

Apply the properties of exponents to the expression as follows:

\displaystyle (y^{2})^{3} \cdot y (y^{2})

By the Power of a Power Property:

\displaystyle = (y^{2 \cdot 3})\cdot y (y^{2})

\displaystyle = (y^{6})\cdot y (y^{2})

Restating:

\displaystyle = y^{6} \cdot y^{1} \cdot y^{2}

By the Product of Powers of Property:

\displaystyle = y^{6+1+2}

\displaystyle = y^{9},

the correct response.

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