While you will be able to use a graphing calculator on the SAT, sometimes it is faster to have mathematical rules memorized beforehand so you can quickly solve problems without trying to find the answer by trial and error with your calculator. One type of problem you may encounter on the SAT involves exponents and powers ( for example, (32)4 ).
In this post, we present some easy to remember rules for solving exponents and radicals. By memorizing these rules for simplifying any exponent or radical problem you encounter, you’ll save yourself valuable time while taking the SAT. Keep reading to learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide exponents and radicals.
Power Rules
| Format | Example |
| xm × xn = x(m+n) | 42 × 43 = 4(2+3) = 45 |
| xm ÷ xn = x(m-n) | 34 ÷ 32 = 3(4-2) = 32 |
| (xm )n = x(m×n) | (23 )2 = 2(3×2) = 26 |
| (xy)n = xn × yn | (2x)3 = 23 × x3 = 8x3 |
| (x / y)n = xn ÷ yn | (2 / 3)3 = 23 ÷ 33 = 8/27 |
| (x)-n = 1/(x)n | (4)-2 = 1/(4)2 |
Radical Rules
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Radicals may be confusing to some people, so if you ever encounter a difficult radical, remember that you can always convert it into its power form and solve it that way. The rules for simplifying radicals are related to the rules for simplifying exponents, so choose whatever method is easier for you!
