when adding x^2 + x^2 do you multiply ?? the exponents?

Question

when do you multiply and/or add exponents?

Answer 1

x^2+x^2=2x^2. You simply add them up when two similar variables are being added, and no exponents are changed.

You add the exponents when you're multiplying two variables. x^2*x^7=x^9.

You multiply exponents when an exponent is being raised to an exponent. (x^3)^4=x^12. You may think of this as x^3*x^3*x^3*x^3=x^12.

Answer 2

When you add things, you simply count them (as long as they are the same "thing")

Here, the thing is x^2. You take one of them, and add another one.
You end up with two of the things:
x^2 + x^2 = 2 x^2

2 x^2 + 3 x^2 = 5 x^2

The exponent remains unchanged. As far as the addition is concerned, x^2 might as well be an apple.
apple + apple = 2 apples.
2 apples + 3 apples = 5 apples.

However, you must be careful that the "thing" you are adding is exactly the same thing.

x^2 and x^3 are NOT the same thing.

x^2 and y^2 are NOT the same thing.

apple + orange is NOT 2 apples or 2 oranges (and the term "fruit salad" is rarely popular on a math exam).

You'll have to tackle those differently (but you'll see later).

Answer 3

Exponents come before addition or multiplication a good way to remember the order of operations is this phrase

Please (Parentheses)
Excuse (Exponents)
My (Multiplication)
Dear (Division)
Aunt (Addition)
Sally (Subtraction)

Please not the Multiplication and division can switch places as can Addition and subtraction but for memory sake the above phrase works good.

so lets assume x=3 you would have the following

3^2 + 3^2 that = 9 + 9 = 18

Answer 4

1 apple + 1 apple = 2 apples
1 orange + 1 orange = 2 oranges
1 x² + 1 x² = 2 x ²

Multiplication
5 x ² X 3 x ³
= 15 x ² X x ³
= 15 (x) (x) (x) (x) (x)
= 15 x^5
This shows that, when multiplying, the powers are added.

Answer 5

x^2 + x^2 = 2x^2
(x^2)(x^2) = x^4
(x^2)^3 = x^(2*3) = x^6