alleryStart learning →Which strategy is used first when an exponential expression is manipulated?
AWrite each base as prime factors
BWrite each base as a fraction
CAdd all of the exponents first
DDivide the bases by each other
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Write each base as prime factors
1. An exponential expression is built from a base and an exponent.
2. The key strategy is to express each base in terms of its prime factors.
3. Once both sides carry the same base, the exponents can be compared directly.
4. Adding the exponents first is only allowed when the bases already match.
_Source: Siyavula Mathematics Grade 11 (Everything Maths, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 1: Exponents and surds_
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