An exponent is the number of times something is to be multiplied by itself, so x5 means x has been multiplied by itself five times - x*x*x*x*x. Typically, exponents will be one step behind normal numbers.  Adding and/or Subtracting Same base AND same exponent needed -  x3 + 2x3 Add or subtract each of the coefficients, but nothing to the base number or exponent.  Multiply and/or Divide Same base needed - y3•y4 Multiply any coefficients, add the exponents; divide each of the coefficients, and then finally subtract the exponents to get the answer.  Raising to a power Things being raised to a power, typically with parentheses - (4w3xz2)5) Raise any coefficients to the outside power, and then simply multiply the exponents for the answer.  TIP: Watch the particular placement of parentheses in the question. Anything found inside the parentheses should be raised to the outside power:                                          Because any two negative numbers multiplied together become positive, any negative number raised to an even numbered power will become a positive number: Additionally, a negative number that is raised to an odd-numbered power will become a negative number: When raising fractions to a particular power, it is important to remember that the numerator and denominator can be split to make the problem easier.