How do you add exponents (i.e. x^2 + x^3)?

Question

I'm in Alg II/Trig and I haven't done this stuff in a long time. I don't have my book with me and I can't find the answer online. I know it's not just adding the powers, like x^2 + x^3 = x^5, because that's how you multiply exponents. So how do you add, exactly? Is there even a way??

How do you change x^-7 so the exponent is positive?

Answer 1

hey there:
hmm..
addition of exponents are only applicable in multiplicative properties:
x^2(x^3) = x^5
but in addition of unlike terms:
x^2 + x^3; it is impossible;
all you can do to simplify this equation is to factor out the like terms:
x^2(x+1)
other than that, you basically can't do anything..

and:
x^-7 can be written as:

1
---- = just get the reciprocal to get the positive sign...
x^7

hope this helps!

Answer 2

Question 2
You can only add things that are the same
eg

3 apples + 2 oranges + 4 apples
= 7 apples + 2 oranges
x ² and x ³ are different and cannot be added together.
You could say:-
x ² + x ³ = x ² ( 1 + x )

Question 2
x^( - 7 ) = 1 / x^7 is second answer.

Answer 3

Is there even a way??

no


for instance
5^3 + 5^3
125 + 125 = 250
you can't get 250 from a power with base 5

Answer 4

Sorry, you cannot add exponents. x^2+x^3 = x^2+x^3.
2x^2 +3x^2 = 5x^2

Answer 5

No you can't simplify x^2 + x^3 any further.

However x^2 + 2x^2 = 3x^2

Good luck

Answer 6

You can't add them (unless you have a value for "x") because they are not "like" terms.

Answer 7

You cant add or subtract them, they are unlike terms.

Answer 8

with a calculator