MathMatters 3
Chapter 1
Lesson 1-7
Example 1
Evaluate each expression when a = -4 and b = 3.
a. a2
b. b3
c. a2b
b. b3
= 33
= (3)(3)(3)
= 27
c. a2b
= (-4)2(3)
= (16)(3)
= 48
b. (b2)7
c. (33 ⋅ x)2
b. (b2)7 = b2 ⋅ 7
= b14
c. (33 ⋅ x)2 = (33 ⋅ 2)(x2)
= 36x2
= 729x2
Solution
a. a2
= (-4)2
= 16
Example 2
Simplify
a. x3 ⋅ x5
Solution
a. x3 ⋅ x5 = x3 + 5
= x8
Example 3
Simplify
a.
x9
x2
⎛n⎞
b. ⎜ ⎟
⎝2⎠
x9
= x9 - 2
2
x
= x7
n3
⎛n⎞
b. ⎜ ⎟ = 3
2
⎝2⎠
n3
=
8
3
Solution
a.
3