Simplifying 3^5 x 3^4
When dealing with exponential expressions, it's essential to understand the rules of exponents to simplify them correctly. In this article, we'll focus on simplifying the expression 3^5 x 3^4.
The Rule of Exponents
Before we dive into simplifying the expression, let's recall the rule of exponents:
a^m x a^n = a^(m+n)
This rule states that when we multiply two exponential expressions with the same base (in this case, 3), we add their exponents.
Simplifying 3^5 x 3^4
Now, let's apply the rule of exponents to our expression:
3^5 x 3^4 = ?
Step 1: Add the Exponents
Add the exponents of both expressions:
5 + 4 = 9
Step 2: Write the Simplified Expression
Now, write the simplified expression with the resulting exponent:
3^(5+4) = 3^9
Therefore, the simplified expression is:
3^9
In conclusion, when simplifying exponential expressions, it's crucial to apply the rule of exponents correctly. By adding the exponents, we can simplify complex expressions like 3^5 x 3^4 to a more manageable form.
