Simplify x^2 * x^5

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Exponent rules · Algebra 1

Step by step

Question: simplify (x²)(x⁵).

Brackets next to each other mean times.

(x²)(x⁵)

A power tells how many times the letter is multiplied.

x² is 2 x's.

x⁵ is 5 x's.

Together that is 7 x's.

x² x⁵ = (xx)(xxxxx) = x⁷

So the rule is: same letter, times, add the powers.

2 plus 5 is 7.

2 + 5 = 7

x^a x^b = x^{a + b}

So we get x⁷.

= x⁷

Answer

= x⁷

Try this one yourself, then check:

Simplify (x³)(x⁴)

Show the answer

x⁷