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When adding variables with exponents, you do neither. You only add the exponents if

#1 The variables are the same character (such as they are both "a")

#2 You are multiplying the variables (NOT ADDING, SUBTRACTING, OR DIVIDING)

Using a simple concrete case may make this clearer: 10+2 times 10+3 equals 10+5 ( 100 times 1000 equals 100,000).

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Q: When adding variables with exponents do you add or subtract the exponents?
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Continue Learning about Algebra

When subtracting variables with exponents do you add or subtract the exponenets?

You cannot ad or subtract variables with different exponents: the exponents must be the same. The coefficients are added or subtracted and the exponent of the answer is the common exponent. (The rules are similar to those for the denominators of fractions.)Thus 2x^2 + 5x^3 cannot be combined into a single term.while 2x^2 + 5x^2 = (2+5)*x^2 = 7x^2


When you add polynomials what do you do with your exponents?

Nothing. The exponents are not affected when added polynomials. However, they play a role in which variables add or subtract another variable. For example. (3x^2+5x-6)+(4x^2-3x+4) The exponents would determine that when adding these polynomials that 3x^2 would be added to 4x^2 and so forth 5x-3x and finally -6 would be added to 4. With a final conclusion of (7x^2+2x-2)


How do we know if we have to multiply or add exponents if the bases are the same?

You have to add the exponents. It's best if you just remember it. You can also consider what happens when you multiply something like:(2 x 2 x 2) x (2 x 2) As you can notice, the number of factors get added. That's like adding the exponents.


When multiplying a number with exponents do you add or multiply the exponents?

You add exponents when multiplying. Ex: (xm) × (xn) = xm+n


What is a rule that works for multiplying powers of the same base in exponents?

To multiply powers with the same base, you add the exponents. For example, 10^2 x 10^3 = 10^5. Similarly, to divide powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents. For example, 10^3 / 10^5 = 10^(-2).

Related questions

When adding numbers with exponents do you add or subtract the exponents?

you do not do anything when you add numbers with exponents. you just figure out the answer. it is only if you multiply numbers with exponents, where you add the exponents..


What are the rules adding and subtracting exponents?

When multiplying something with exponents, you add it. When dividing something with exponents, you subtract it.


What do you do with the exponents when your adding the bases of the number?

nothing, keep the exponents the same, remember you can only add or subtract when the exponents are the same


When multiplying binomials that turn out negative do you add or subtract exponents?

When multiplying numbers with exponents, you add the exponents.


When subtracting what to do with the exponents?

It depends on whether you are working with variables. You cannot add terms with variables that have unlike exponents.


When multiplying a number exponents that are squared do you add or multiply?

If the base numbers or variables are the same, you add the exponents.


Do you subtract exponents when multiplying?

No you add them if the bases are the same.


When subtracting variables with exponents do you add or subtract the exponenets?

You cannot ad or subtract variables with different exponents: the exponents must be the same. The coefficients are added or subtracted and the exponent of the answer is the common exponent. (The rules are similar to those for the denominators of fractions.)Thus 2x^2 + 5x^3 cannot be combined into a single term.while 2x^2 + 5x^2 = (2+5)*x^2 = 7x^2


When multiplying variables with the same base what do you do with the exponents?

You add them.


When dividing x by x and you have exponents on each of the x do you add the exponents or subtract?

When dividing numbers (or variables) subtract the exponents. Remember, an exponent indicates a kind of multiplication, it is the number of times that a number is multiplied by itself. If you are dividing by that same number, then clearly you are multiplying it by itself a fewer number of times. Division is the inverse function of multiplication.


When multiplying 2 or more variables with exponents what do you do with the exponents?

You add the exponents- x^2*x^6=x^8


When you add polynomials what do you do with your exponents?

Nothing. The exponents are not affected when added polynomials. However, they play a role in which variables add or subtract another variable. For example. (3x^2+5x-6)+(4x^2-3x+4) The exponents would determine that when adding these polynomials that 3x^2 would be added to 4x^2 and so forth 5x-3x and finally -6 would be added to 4. With a final conclusion of (7x^2+2x-2)