Algebra: Chapter 1-4
The Associative Property
We discussed the use of the Associative property by re-grouping terms in paranthesis. We also used both commutative and associative properties together to help simplify expressions for evaluation.
We looked for patterns in expressions again to help speed up our mental math computation speed.
Remember, the associative property ONLY holds true for addition and multiplication. Just like the commutative property, it doesn’t work for subtraction or division.
For any numbers a, b, and c, we have in equation forms for adding and multiplication:
`a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c` and `a*(b*c)=(a*b)*c`
Intro to Algebra: Chapter 1-3
Exponential Notation
A product in which the factors are the same is called a power. We can write 2⋅2⋅2⋅2 as 24. The number 4 is called the exponent and the 2 is called the base. The exponent tells how many times the base is used as a factor. When an expression is written with exponents, we say the expression is written using exponential notation.
Remember, anything to the zero power is = 1, `z^0=1` or `4^0=1` as well. Anything raised to the 1st power is just the number, `y^1=y` and `101^1=101`.
Don’t forget PEMDAS too with the exponents being the second operation to be performed.
See these explanations from purplemath.com too!