2 Use Exponents with Fractions In Chapter 2, we learned that an exponent indicates repeated multiplication. For example, 52 5 5 25 and 23 2 2 2 8 We can use exponents with fractions, too. Evaluate. a) a 7 8 b 2 b) a 1 3 b 4 Solution a) a 7 8 b 2 7 8 7 8 49 64 The exponent of 2 tells us to use 7 8 as a factor 2 times. b) a 1 3 b 4 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 81 The exponent of 4 tells us to use 1 3 as a factor 4 times. EXAMPLE 3 YOU TRY 3 Evaluate. a) a 2 5 b 3 b) a 1 12 b 2 3 Use the Order of Operations with Fractions We can use the order of operations to simplify expressions containing fractions. Let’s review the order of operations that we fi rst learned in Section 2.6. Procedure The Order of Operations Simplify expressions in the following order: 1) If parentheses or other grouping symbols appear in an expression, simplify what is in these grouping symbols fi rst. 2) Simplify expressions with exponents and square roots. 3) Multiply or divide, moving from left to right. 4) Add or subtract, moving from left to right. 274 CHAPTER 4 Adding and Subtracting Fractions www.mhhe.com/messersmith
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