Laws of Exponents: Rules, Formulas & Easy Examples

The laws of exponents are fundamental rules in mathematics that simplify calculations involving powers and indices. Whether multiplying, dividing, or raising numbers to a power, these fundamental laws of exponents are required for calculations with accuracy. In this guide, we break down each law of exponents with easy-to-understand examples.

Table of Contents

What are the Laws of Exponents 

Law a and b are non-zero integers and
m and n are any integers
ab and cd are rational numbers and m
and n are any integers
1 am × an = am+n (ab)m × (ab)n = (ab)m+n
2 aman = am−n (ab)m ÷ (ab)n = (ab)m−n
3 (am)n = (an)m = amn {(ab)m}n = {(ab)n}m = (ab)mn
4 (ab)n = anbn (ab · cd)n = (ab)n × (cd)n
5 (ab)n = anbn ( a/b c/d )n = (a/b)n (c/d)n
6 a0 = 1 (ab)0 = 1


Solved Examples on Laws of Exponents

Evaluate:
(i) 10 + 2−3 + 3−3
(ii) (5−4 + 8−9)0 × 2−2
(iii) (7−9 ÷ 7−15) × 7−8
 
Solution:
(i) 10 + 2−3 + 3−3 = 1 + 123 + 133 = 1 + 18 + 127 = 216 + 27 + 8216 = 251216
(ii) (5−4 + 8−9)0 × 2−2 = 1 × 2−2 = 122 = 14
(iii) (7−9 + 7−15) × 7−8 = 7−97−15 × 7−8 = 7−9−(−15) × 7−8 = 76 × 7−8 = 76−8 = 7−2 = 172 = 149

Practice Questions on Laws of Exponents

Evaluate:
(i) (6−1 + 12−1) × 5−1
(ii) (2−3 × 3−2) + 7−1

Frequently Asked Questions on Laws of Exponents

1. How to handle different bases with the same power?

Expressions with different bases and same power can be simplified using the law  an×bn=(ab)n

2. What is the zero exponent rule?

The zero exponent rule states that any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is equal to 1. Let a be a non-zero number. a0=1

3. What is the power of a power rule?

The power of the power rule states that when raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents. (am)n=a(m+n)

4. What are the laws of exponents?

The laws of exponents are fundamental rules in mathematics that simplify calculations involving powers and indices

ShareFacebookXLinkedInEmailTelegramPinterestWhatsApp

Admissions Open for 2026-27

Admissions Open for 2026-27

We are also listed in