Solve: 10·10²·10⁻⁴·10¹⁰ Using Powers of 10

Exponent Rules with Multiple Terms

101021041010= 10\cdot10^2\cdot10^{-4}\cdot10^{10}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:09 Let's solve this problem together.
00:12 When we multiply powers with the same base, we add the exponents.
00:18 We can use this rule for any number of bases. Isn't that cool?
00:24 Now, let's apply this rule to our exercise.
00:28 Remember, a number without an exponent is really to the power of 1.
00:38 Since all powers have the same base, we can use our formula.
00:45 Let's add all the exponents together now.
00:52 We'll do each step one at a time, then add them up.
00:58 And there you have it, that's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

101021041010= 10\cdot10^2\cdot10^{-4}\cdot10^{10}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We use the power property to multiply terms with identical bases:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n} Keep in mind that this property is also valid for several terms in the multiplication and not just for two, for example for the multiplication of three terms with the same base we obtain:

amanak=am+nak=am+n+k a^m\cdot a^n\cdot a^k=a^{m+n}\cdot a^k=a^{m+n+k} When we use the mentioned power property twice, we could also perform the same calculation for four terms of the multiplication of five, etc.,

Let's return to the problem:

First keep in mind that:

10=101 10=10^1 Keep in mind that all the terms of the multiplication have the same base, so we will use the previous property:

1011021041010=101+24+10=109 10^1\cdot10^2\cdot10^{-4}\cdot10^{10}=10^{1+2-4+10}=10^9

Therefore, the correct answer is option c.

3

Final Answer

109 10^9

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When multiplying powers with same base, add the exponents
  • Technique: Rewrite 10 as 101 10^1 , then add: 1+2-4+10=9
  • Check: Count total factors: four 10s with net exponent 9 gives 109 10^9

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Multiplying the exponents instead of adding them
    Don't multiply exponents like 1×2×(-4)×10 = -80 to get 1080 10^{-80} ! This confuses the multiplication rule with the power rule. Always add exponents when multiplying powers with the same base: aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I write 10 as 101 10^1 ?

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Any number without an exponent has an implied exponent of 1. Writing 10=101 10 = 10^1 makes it clear that you need to include this 1 when adding exponents.

What happens with negative exponents when adding?

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Negative exponents work exactly like negative numbers in addition! In this problem: 1+2+(4)+10=1+24+10=9 1 + 2 + (-4) + 10 = 1 + 2 - 4 + 10 = 9 .

How do I remember when to add vs multiply exponents?

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Multiplying powers: add exponents (aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} )
Power of a power: multiply exponents ((am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} )

Can I solve this by calculating each power first?

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You could, but it's much harder! For example, 1010 10^{10} is 10,000,000,000. Using the exponent rule 101+24+10=109 10^{1+2-4+10} = 10^9 is faster and less error-prone.

What if the bases were different numbers?

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The rule aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} only works when bases are identical. If you had 2352 2^3 \cdot 5^2 , you'd need to calculate each power separately first.

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