Exponential expression includes 3 components: coefficient, base and exponent. For example: 5x3.
The exponent is the number of times we multiply x (in the example the exponent is 3, since x3=x*x*x).
The base is the variable (in the example the base is x).
The coefficient is the number multiplied by the variable (in the example the coefficient is 5, since 5x3=5*x3.
To solve an exponential expressions questions we need to calculate the values of exponential expressions or solve equations with exponents and radicals.
The skills required for exponential expressions topic include dealing with different types of exponents: positive exponents, zero exponents and rational exponents (exponents with fractions) and dealing with radicals (roots). You also need to know how to solve word problems with exponential expressions: population growth and decay problems and compounding interest problems.
Performing operations with exponential expressions requires:
Changing the base of exponential expression.
Raising an exponential expression to an exponent.
Adding, subtracting multiplying and dividing exponential expressions.
Multiplying polynomial expressions with the FOIL formula.
Performing operations with radicals (roots) requires:
Rewriting radicals as exponents.
Making calculations with exponents and radicals.
Multiplying and dividing radicals.
Solving word problems questions requires:
Writing an exponential expression from a word problem.
Solving a given exponential expression according to a word problem.
Rounding answers to the nearest whole number.
Calculating the net value of the change in the population.
Calculating the interest that is compounded between 2 periods.
Changing the time units (changing the exponent of the expression).
The formula sheet for rational exponents and radicals is listed below.