algebra containing fractions

[lalilala]

hey, i am having a little trouble understanding this:

can someone tell me why i would need to subtract 1 away from the exponent.

i have just started learning algebra so go easy on me ^_^

 

[galactus]

That's your basic exponent law.

When you divide exponents, you subtract the exponent.

\(\displaystyle \frac{2^{3}}{2^{1}}=2^{2}\)

That's because 3-1=2. See?. We subtracted the exponents when dividing

When multiplying, we add them:

\(\displaystyle 2^{3}\cdot 2^{1}=2^{4}\)

Because 3+1=4.

See now?.

 

[lalilala]

ahh, i understand now
thank you galactus