How do I add two numbers with exponents?

  • Thread starter Instinctlol
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Exponents
In summary, The expression 2k+1 + 2k+1 can be simplified by using the property of exponents. This expression can be thought of as adding x + x, y + y, or something + something. Therefore, the simplified expression is 2*2k+1 = 2k+2. Additionally, 2k+1+2k+1+2k+1+2k+1 can be simplified to 4*2k+1 = 2*2*2k+1 = 2k+3. This is correct.
  • #1
Instinctlol
79
0
This is a really basic problem and I just need some review.
How do I add 2k+1 + 2k+1?

This is where I am stuck

212k+212k
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Think of it this way. Can you add
x + x?
y + y?
something + something?
This is what the expression
2k+1 + 2k+1
merely is. Once you get that, then you can use the appropriate property of exponents.
 
  • #3
eumyang said:
Think of it this way. Can you add
x + x?
y + y?
something + something?
This is what the expression
2k+1 + 2k+1
merely is. Once you get that, then you can use the appropriate property of exponents.

Oh I see, so it would be..

2*2k+1 = 2k+2

and just another one for fun

2k+1+2k+1+2k+1+2k+1 = 4*2k+1 = 2*2*2k+1 = 2k+3

Does this seem correct?
 
  • #4
Instinctlol said:
Oh I see, so it would be..

2*2k+1 = 2k+2

and just another one for fun

2k+1+2k+1+2k+1+2k+1 = 4*2k+1 = 2*2*2k+1 = 2k+3

Does this seem correct?
Not only does it seem correct, it is correct.
 
  • #5
Cool thanks !
 

1. What is the basic rule for adding exponents?

The basic rule for adding exponents is that when two numbers with the same base are being multiplied, the exponents can be added. For example, 23 + 24 = 27.

2. What happens when the bases are not the same?

When the bases are not the same, the exponents cannot be added directly. In this case, the numbers can be rewritten as powers of the same base before adding the exponents. For example, 32 + 52 can be rewritten as (32)2 + (52)2 = 92 + 252 = 81 + 625 = 706.

3. Can exponents be added in any order?

Yes, exponents can be added in any order as long as the base and exponent pairs remain the same. For instance, 23 + 43 = 43 + 23 = 83.

4. What about negative exponents?

When adding negative exponents, the same rules apply. If the bases are the same, the exponents can be added. If the bases are different, the numbers can be rewritten in terms of the same base before adding the exponents. For example, 2-3 + 2-4 = 2-7 and 3-2 + 5-2 = (3/5)2 + (5/3)2 = 9/25 + 25/9 = 2.04.

5. Are there any exceptions to the rule for adding exponents?

There are a few exceptions to the rule for adding exponents. One exception is when the base is raised to the power of 0. In this case, the result is always 1. Another exception is when the base is raised to the power of 1. In this case, the result is always the base itself. For example, 20 = 1 and 51 = 5.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
601
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
822
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
853
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
599
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
198
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
997
Back
Top