Table of contents

0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
2. Graphs of Equations43m
3. Functions2h 17m
4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
5. Rational Functions1h 23m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
8. Conic Sections2h 23m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

College Algebra

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

1:02 minutes

Problem 88a

Textbook Question

Evaluate each expression. -4 * 5³

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponents

Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a number by itself. For example, in the expression 5³, the base 5 is multiplied by itself three times: 5 * 5 * 5, which equals 125. Understanding how to calculate exponents is crucial for evaluating expressions that involve powers.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to ensure consistent results. The common acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) helps remember this order. In the expression -4 * 5³, the exponent is calculated before the multiplication.

Multiplication of Negative Numbers

When multiplying a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative. In the expression -4 * 125 (where 125 is the result of 5³), the product will be -500. Understanding how to handle negative numbers in multiplication is essential for accurately evaluating expressions.