When multiplying powers with the same base

➡ Add the exponents

When dividing powers with the same base

➡ Subtract the exponents

Any number (except 0) raised to the power 0 equals 1

➡ (where a ≠ 0)

When raising a power to another power

➡ Multiply the exponents

Distribute the exponent to each factor

➡ Each base gets the same exponent

Distribute the exponent to numerator and denominator

➡ Both top and bottom get the exponent

A negative exponent means take the reciprocal

➡ Flip to a fraction

Simplify step by step — identify which rule applies at each stage