y

Base

x

x

a

y

z

Exponent

4

5

-4

1

2

Coefficient

2

3

3/5

1

-1

Situation

Rule

Example

You are asked to multiply monomials of the same base.

1. Write the base
2. Add the exponents
3. Multiply the coefficients

You are asked to divide monomials of the same base.

1. Write the base
2. Subtract the exponents
3. Divide the coefficients

You are asked to exponentiate a monomial.

1. Write the base
2. Multiply the exponents
3. Exponentiate the coefficients (Raise the coefficient to the power also)