Adding Exponents

by **Spencer** Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:47 pm

One of the explanations to a math problem I was doing had the following calculation done:

(5^13 - 5^12)--->(5^12)(5-1)-->(5^12)(4)

Can anyone explain how this works?

by **Guest** Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:01 pm

The source is Manhattan GMAT in a problem called, "Lining Up A to H".

by **Spencer** Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:44 pm

I figured it out

5^13-5^12

You factor out a 5^12:

5^12(5^1-1)

5^12(5-1)

5^12(4)

g unit! thanks for all of your help

by **StaceyKoprince** Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:44 pm

excellent - so glad you figured it out on your own!