When multiplying like bases, what happens to the exponents?

When multiplying like bases, what happens to the exponents?

• A. Multiply exponents
• B. Exponents stay the same
• C. Add exponents
• D. Subtract exponents

Answer: (C)

When you multiply like bases, you’re combining two repeated multiplications by the same number. Since a^m means multiply a by itself m times, multiplying a^m by a^n adds those repetitions: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n). For example, 4^3 * 4^2 equals 4^(3+2) = 4^5. The exponents don’t stay the same, and you don’t multiply them here—that happens in other situations (like raising a power to another power or in division, where you subtract exponents).

When you multiply like bases, you’re combining two repeated multiplications by the same number. Since a^m means multiply a by itself m times, multiplying a^m by a^n adds those repetitions: a^m * a^n = a^(m+n). For example, 4^3 * 4^2 equals 4^(3+2) = 4^5. The exponents don’t stay the same, and you don’t multiply them here—that happens in other situations (like raising a power to another power or in division, where you subtract exponents).