How do you add numbers with different exponents?
Exponential notation constitutes a practical approach when adding the same or different base numbers together. Using exponential expressions eliminates the need to have to repeatedly write the base numbers. Known as shorthand, the exponent is placed above and to the right of a base number which is written as a superscript. Organizing the proper sequence when combining numbers with exponents is imperative to avoiding the common mistake of adding the exponents together when the bases are the same. Calculate the values of the individual exponents. Remember the basic rule: To add numbers with different exponents, whether the base numbers are the same or different; simplify each number with an exponent first and then perform the addition function. Separate the numbers with an exponent. For example, 5^3 + 4^2 + 5^2 can be solved by adding these three numbers individually to find the answer. Calculate 5 to the power of 3 which is 125; calculate 4 to the power of two which is 16 and calculate
