Understanding Exponents and Simplification

The video tutorial explains why simplifying 3^5 and 9^5 does not result in 1/3. It highlights the importance of having the same base when dividing exponents. The tutorial walks through calculating 3^5 as 243 and 9^5 as 59049, and then simplifies the fraction 243/59049 to find the correct answer. The video concludes with a summary of the process.

Why does simplifying 3 to the 5th power and 9 to the 5th power not result in 1/3?

• Because the bases are not the same.

• Because 9 is a multiple of 3.

• Because 3 and 9 are both odd numbers.

• Because 5 is not a prime number.

What is the correct approach to solve 3 to the 5th power divided by 9 to the 5th power?

• Add the exponents together.

• Multiply the bases first.

• Calculate each power separately and then divide.

• Divide the exponents directly.

What is 3 to the 5th power?

• 81

• 1024

• 243

• 729

What is 9 to the 5th power?

• 6561

• 243

• 59049

• 1024

How many times does 243 go into 5949?

• 81 times

• 243 times

• 27 times

• 1 time