Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

**Substince** · February 24th 2011, 08:22 PM

Hey All,

Problem: $a^{3(7-x)}a^x$

I'm not sure what to do with the $a^{3(7-x)}$ .

It looks like I could use the distributive law which would make $a^{21-3x}$ but I'm not sure if that applies to exponents.

I appreciate any comments or advice!

Thanks,

**Prove It** · February 24th 2011, 08:30 PM

$\displaystyle a^{3(7-x)}a^x = a^{3(7-x) + x}$ .

Now expand and collect like terms in the power...

**Substince** · February 24th 2011, 08:39 PM

Wow I can't believe its that simple and how I missed that Thanks!

so just to verify if you could $a^{3(7-x)}a^x = a^{3(7-x)+x} = a^{(21-3x)+x} = a^{21-2x}$

**HallsofIvy** · February 25th 2011, 03:20 AM

Yes, that is correct.

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