Simplify the Expression: a² × a³ Using Power Rules

Think of what exponents mean! $a^2 = a \times a$ and $a^3 = a \times a \times a$. When you multiply them together, you get 5 total factors of a, so $a^5$!

You cannot combine them! The product rule only works when the bases are exactly the same. $a^2 \times b^3$ stays as $a^2b^3$.

Not quite! $a^{2+3}$ shows the correct process, but you should simplify it to $a^5$. The question asks which step is correct, so $a^{2+3}$ is the right choice from the options.

Think "same base, add the powers"! You can also count the actual factors: $a^2 \times a^3 = (a \times a) \times (a \times a \times a)$ gives you 5 a's total.

No! The product rule only applies to multiplication. For addition like $a^2 + a^3$, you cannot combine the terms unless you factor out common factors.