POLYNOMIALS AND LAWS

OF EXPONENTS
for Mathematics Grade 7
Quarter 2 / Week 5
 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit will serve as a guide in

learning the different laws of exponents. It will help
learners understand the laws of exponents through its
derivatives.
In this learning kit the students will learn on how
to simplify algebraic expressions by applying the laws
of exponents. They will understand the rules on
exponents as one set of rules in algebra which is very
helpful in multiplying and dividing algebraic
expressions and soon apply it into a real-world
situation.
This kit is divided into three parts:
I. What Happened (Pre-activity/Pre-test)
II. What You Need to Know (Discussion)
III. What Have I Learned (Evaluation/Post-test)

2
 LESSON 1: LAWS OF EXPONENTS

OBJECTIVES:
• defines and interprets the meaning of an where n is a
positive integer.
• derives inductively the laws of exponents.
• applies the laws of exponents in simplifying or evaluating
algebraic expressions.

I. WHAT HAPPENED
Hello, there! Today we will
discuss an important
concept in mathematics,
the Laws of Exponents.
Study how it derives and
learn to apply it. Have
fun!

3
PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:
A. Evaluate the following.

1. 23 2. (-2)3 3. 4. -(-7)0 5. 32•34

6. 7. (2x)0 8. 9. (-4x)2 10. -6x0

B. Answer the following.

1. How will you determine whether the value of (-3)5 is
negative or positive?
2. Explain the difference between (-2)4 and -24?

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Exponents are used to represent repeated multiplication

Example: 25 = 2 • 2 • 2 • 2 • 2

5 factors of 2

In the expression 25, 2 is the base, which is the number

used as a factor, and 5 is the exponent that shows the number
of times the base is used as a factor.

DISCUSSION:
LAWS OF EXPONENTS

1 Product of Powers
Study this example.

23 • 22 = (2 • 2 • 2) • (2 • 2)

3 factors of 2 2 factors of 2

23 means to 22 means to
write 2 as a write 2 as a
factor 3 times factor 2 times

= (2 • 2 • 2 • 2 • 2) Do the multiplication to get

5 factors of 2
5 factors of 2

= 25 Since 2 is used as factor of 5 times, we can write

the product as 25.

4
 Notice that the exponent of the result is the sum of the
exponents of 23 and 22.

23 • 22 = 23+2 = 25

What does this process suggest?

Product of Powers: For any number x and any positive integers a and b,

xa •xb = xa+b.

To multiply two exponential expressions with the same base, add the
exponents and copy the common base.

Examples:
1. (x3)(x5) = x3+5 Since the bases are the same, add the
= x8 exponents and keep the common base
which is x.
2. (4m)(5m3) = (4 • 5)(m • m3) Apply the commutative and associative
= 20(m1+3) properties to change the order and
regroup the factors.
= 20m4
Do the multiplication of the numeral
coefficient. Add the exponents of the
common base.

3. Is it correct to say that 23 • 42 = 85?

When the bases are different, we cannot apply the first law. Instead, we
must find the product of each factor,
Then multiply the two products.
Therefore,
23 • 42 = 8 •16 = 128

2 Power of a Power
Consider the expression (24)2. Notice that the base 24 is
raised to a power. Using the definition of exponents, let us
simplify this expression.

(24)2 = 24 • 24 The exponent 2 tells us to multiply the

term enclosed in parenthesis twice.
= 24+4 Add the exponents since they
have the same base.
=28 Simplify.

5
 Notice that the exponent of the result is the product of the
exponents in (24)2.
(24)2 = 2(4)(2) = 28

Power of a does
Power:
thisFor any non-zero numbers x and any integers m and n,
What process suggest?
(x ) = x
m n mn

To raise an exponential expression to a power, keep the base and

multiply the exponents.
Example: How will you simplify (h5)3?
(h5)3 = h(5)(3)
= h15

3 Power of a Product
Observe the following illustration.

(5x2)3 = (5x2) (5x2) (5x2) Raise factor to the third power

= 53(x2)3 Multiply the exponents of a power

raised to a power
= 125x6 Simplify

Notice that (5x2)3 =125x6. This illustrates another property of exponents.

Power of a Product: For any non-zero numbers x, y, and any integers m,

(xy)m = xmym.

Example 1: What is the simplified form of (x2)3(4xy2)2?

(x2)3(4xy2)2 = (x2)3 (4)2 (x)2 (y2)2 Raise each factor of (4xy2)2 to
the 2nd power
= (x6)(16)(x2)(y4)
Simplify

= 16(x6)( x2)( y4) Apply Commutative Property of

Multiplication
= 16x8y4 Add the exponents of the
variables with the same base

Example 2:
(-2y)3 = (-2)3 (y)3
= -8y3

6
THE ZERO EXPONENT AND THE NEGATIVE EXPONENT

Example 1:
How will you simplify ? Notice that the
expression, both the numerator and denominator are the
same this we can say that

If we subtract the exponent of the numerator and

exponent of the denominator since they both have the same
base, we have x4-4 = x0, thus, we can conclude that x0 = 1.
Any number or algebraic expression (except zero)
having a zero exponent has a numerical value of 1.

Example 2:
How will you simplify expressions with negative exponents?
What is the simplified form of 2x-3 and (2x)-3?

a.

b.

For any non-zero real number x and any integer m and n.

Any quantity with a negative exponent is equal to the

reciprocal of that quantity with the corresponding positive
exponent.

7
 4 Quotient of Powers
Repeated multiplication can also be used to simplify
fractions. See the following illustration.

= 3· 3·3
= 33

Note that the numerator and denominator have the same

base, which is 3, and if we subtract the exponents of 38 to 35, we
have the same result: 38  35 = 33

We can conclude the rule for dividing powers with the same
base, thus:

Quotient of Powers: For any non-zero numbers x and any integers m and
n,

Examples:
Simplify.
1.
Subtract the exponents when
dividing powers with the same base

2.

5 Power of a Quotient
Let us study the next property of algebraic expressions. For
any non-zero numbers x and y, and any integer n,

Raise both numerator and

denominator to same power of 5

8
Examples:

1. Simplify:

2. Simplify:

Raise the numerator and

3. Simplify: denominator to (-2)

Apply the definition of negative

exponents

Apply the rule in dividing fractions

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

Complete the table below.

For a ≠ 0, b ≠ 0

Product ax • ay = ________

Quotient ax  ay = ________

Power (ax)y = _________

Zero Exponent a0 = _________

Negative Exponent a-x = _________

9
EVALUATION/POST TEST:
A. Perform the indicated operations.

1. x5 • x2 11.

2. (m+n)2(m+n)
12.
3. (3y2)(-5y)(4y3)
4. m7 • n-3 • m-6 • n5
13.
5. (23)2
6. (-k5)2
7. (v2)2(w2)3 14.

8. (2a2)3(b3)2 15.
9. (h5)6
16. (x2y)0
10. (-2x4y2z)3
17. 2x0

18..

10
 LESSON 2: MULTIPLYING AND DIVIDING POLYNOMIALS

OBJECTIVES:
• determines the steps in multiplying and dividing
polynomials.
• multiplies and divides different kinds of polynomials
correctly.
• observes the value of accuracy in multiplying and
dividing polynomials.

I. WHAT HAPPENED

If you add exponents in

Remember, multiplication
multiplication with the
and division are inverse or
same base, what would
opposite operations.
you do in division?

PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:
A. Matching Type.
Direction: Match the factors in column A with the products in
column B. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided.

______1. 4x (3x – 5) a. 15x3y – 5x2y

______2. 5x2y (3x - 1) b. 3x3 – 21x2 + 24x
______3. (5m3q2)(-3mq3) c. 12x2 – 20x
______4. 3x(x2 – 7x + 8) d. 5ab4 – 4a3b3
______5. e. -15m4q5
11
 B. True or False.
Direction: Identify whether each statement is true or false.
If it is false, write the correct statement.

1. To multiply two monomials, multiply the numerical

factors and then multiply the variable factors.
2. To multiply a polynomial by a monomial, apply the
associative property to remove the parenthesis then
simplify.
3. To multiply polynomial by another polynomial,
combining similar terms is not part of the steps.
4. When dividing two expressions with the same base,
subtract the exponents.
5. To divide polynomial by a polynomial with more than
one term, we use the same process in dividing
polynomial by a monomial.

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hi, there! Today we will

discuss another important
topic in mathematics which
is multiplying and dividing
polynomials. Your skills in the
previous topic with the laws
of exponents are needed.
So, stir it up and have fun!

12
DISCUSSION:
MULTIPLYING POLYNOMIALS
Multiplying Monomials
To multiply two monomials such as (5x2) and (-3x5), we use
the associate and commutative properties and regroup.
Remember that to multiply exponential expressions with the
same base, add the exponents and copy the common base.
Example 1:
(5x2) (-3x5) = (5)(-3)(x2•x5)
= (5)(-3)x2+5
= -15x7
Example 2:
2m4 • 5m3 • m7 = (2)(5)(m4)(m3)(m7)
= (2)(5) (m4+3+7)
= 10m14

Multiplying Monomial by a Polynomial

To multiply a monomial by a polynomial, use the
distributive property.
Example 1: Multiply 4x and (x2 – 6x + 3)

4x (x2 – 6x + 3) = 4x(x2) + 4x(-6x) + 4x(3)

= 4x3 – 24x2 + 12x
Example 2: -8x4(2x2 + x - 3)
-8x4(2x2 + x - 3) = (-8x4)(2x2) + (-8x4)(x) + (-8x4)(-3)
= -16x6 – 8x5 + 24x4
Multiplying Two Polynomials
To multiply two polynomials with more than one term,
multiply each term of the first polynomial by each of the second
polynomial, and then combine like terms. A convenient way to
do this is to multiply vertically.

Example 1: Find the product of (x+2)(3x2 – 5x + 2).

Solution:
3x2 – 5x + 2
x+2
3x3 – 5x2 + 2x Multiply 3x2 – 5x + 2 by x

13
 6x2 – 10x + 4 Multiply 3x2 – 5x + 2 by 2
3x3 + x2 – 8x + 4 Combine like terms

Example 2: Find the product of (y2 + 3y - 6) and (y - 4).

Solution:
y2 + 3y – 6
y–4 Multiply y2 + 3y - 6 by y
y3 + 3y2 – 6y

- 4y2 – 12y + 24 Multiply y2 + 3y - 6 by -4

y3 – y2 – 18y + 24 Combine like terms

DIVIDING POLYNOMIALS
Dividing Monomial
Recall the quotient rule for exponents: if x is nonzero and
m and n are positive, then

In other words, when dividing two expressions with the

same base, subtract the exponents. This rule applies when
dividing monomial by a monomial.
Example: Divide 10x5 by 2x2.

= 5x3

Dividing Polynomial by a Monomial

To divide a polynomial by a monomial, divide each term
of the polynomial by the monomial. Apply the division law of
exponents.

Example 1: Divide (6x4 + 12x3 – 9x2) by 3x2

= 2x2 + 4x1 – 3x0

= 2x2 + 4x – 3

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 Example 2:

= -6x3 – 4x + 1

Dividing Two Polynomials

To divide polynomial by a polynomial with more than one
term we will use the process called polynomial long division,
which is based on the division algorithm for real numbers. Check
the dividend and the divisor if it is in standard form.

Example 1: Divide (x2 + 5x + 6) by (x + 2)

1. Divide the leading terms x2 by x and put the result

on top of 5x.

2. Multiply the result x to the divisor (x + 2) and line up like

terms
3. Subtract the product from the dividend. Bring down
the remaining terms and repeat the process from 1.

Example 2: Divide x3 + 6x2 + 11x - 6 by x-3

1. Divide the leading terms x3 by x and put the

result on top of 6x2

2. Multiply the result x2 to the divisor x - 3 and line up like

terms

3. Subtract the product from the dividend. Bring down the

remaining terms and repeat the process from 1.

You can check your work by multiplying the divisor by the

quotient and adding any remainder. If you are correct, the result will
equal the dividend.
To check:

(x2 – 3x + 2)(x - 3) = x3 – 6x2 + 11x - 6

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III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED
EVALUATION/POST TEST:

A. Why Couldn’t the Bird Find Her Eggs?

Simplify each expression and find your answers below.

Cross out the box containing your answers. When you finish,
there will be 6 boxes not crossed out. Print out the letters from
these boxes in the squares at the bottom to reveal the answer.

1. (6x2)(4x5) 6. 6m (n + 3p)
2. (x + 2)(x + 7) 7. (a + 5)(2a2 + 3a – 2)
3. (5ab)(3a2b)(2b2) 8. (4x + 3)(4x – 5)
4. (a -7)(a + 3) 9. 5x2(8 – 3x + 7x2)
5. -3a (a2 – 4a + 1) 10. (3a – 1)(a2 + a + 2)

TH x2 + 9x + 14E 2m2 - 10 A 40x2 – 15x3 + 35x4 ID a3 – a2 + a – 1

M T
AT 16x – 8x – 15 TE
2 30a3b4 L 2a3 – 5a2 + 3b – EN 3a2 + 2a2 + 5a
A 10 –2
SH 24x5 L 24x7 IS 6mn + 18mp IT x2 +3x + 5
O
O -3a3+12a2 – IS a2 – 21 E 2a3 + 13a2 + 13a – AN a2 – 4a – 21
F 3a N 10

B. Divide.

1. 4.

2. 5.

3
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CLEOFE C. KINICOT
Writer

_________________________________

ALPHA QA TEAM
ROLANDO B. ABRASADO
JOHN KEVIN C. INOVENO
CELSIUS L. ALCALA

BETA QA TEAM
ELIZABETH A. ALAP-AP
EPIFANIA Q. CUEVAS
NIDA BARBARA S. SUASIN
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ENHANCEMENT TEAM
ROLANDO B. ABRASADO
JOHN KEVIN C. INOVENO
CELSIUS L. ALCALA

17
 ANSWER KEYS
LESSON 1 LESSON 2

ANSWERS KEY
Pre-test
A.
1. 8
2. -8
3. 1/9
4. -1
5. 36 or 729
B.
1. Negative since the exponent 5 is an odd
number.
2. (-2)4 is equal to 16 while -24 is equal to -16.
What I have learned.
ax+y, ax-y, axy, 1, 1/ax
Post Test
1. x7
2. (m+n)3
3. -60y6
4. mn2
5. 26 or 64
6. k10
7. v4w6
8. 8a6b6
9. h30
10. -8x12y6z3

SYNOPSIS AND ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This self-learning kit will assist students on understanding the
derivatives of the Laws of Exponents. They will understand the rules on
exponents as one set of rules in algebra which is very helpful in simplifying
algebraic expressions. This self-learning kit will also help the students
understanding the process of multiplying and dividing of polynomials that can
be applied to real-world situations.

She earned the degree of Bachelor of Secondary

Education, major in Mathematics from Negros Oriental
State University, year 2006. A mathematics teacher at
Sibulan National High School, Sibulan 1 District, Division of
Negros Oriental. She serves as their District Math
Coordinator for Secondary and a District Planning
Coordinator. She loves motivating students and making
the classroom a more dynamic place to learn.

REFERENCES
18
Gamboa, Job D. (2010). Elementary Algebra, United Eferza
Academic Publications, Co., Lipa city, Batangas.