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Copyright © Swun Math Grade 8 Unit 2 Lesson 1 C TE

Multiply Exponents

Conceptual Lesson

Grade 8 · Unit 2 · Lesson 1
MC: 8.EE.1

Problem of the Day

Objective: I will use the expanded form to explore multiplying exponents.

Vocabulary Teacher Resources

Base: the repeated factor

Exponent: indicates the number of times the

base is multiplied by itself; also known as

power

Factors: numbers that are multiplied to create

a product

Power: a product in which the factors are the

same

5 • 5 • 5 • 5  54

4 factors power

Say as, “ 4 copies of 5 multiplied together”

n^3 = 3 copies of n, multiplied together= n⋅n⋅n

Exponential Form: expressions written with

exponents

Properties of Exponents

Power to Power (an)m= anm (Multiply)

Multiply (Like Bases) am⋅an= am+n (Add)

Power of a Product anbn=(ab)n (Keep)

Considerations:

Students began to explore exponential notation in

grade 6. Using base ten blocks can help students

visualize how quickly something grows by

multiplying powers.

Have students consistently write the expanded form

of an exponential expression (5^4 = 5 ∙ 5 ∙ 5 ∙5) before

focusing on the rules. Once students understand the

concept of exponential form, teach the rule, but

remind them they can always fall back on writing the

expanded expression.

When counting combinations of things, consider

something from daily life. For example, if there are 3

ties, 3 pants, and 3 shirts, there are 33 possible outfits

combinations.

Steps:

1. Identify the base(s) and exponent(s).


2. Write in expanded form.


3. Simplify.


4. Check using the properties of exponents.

Application of MPs:

MP2: What is the relationship between the

exponent and the base?

The exponent indicates ______________. The

base indicates ______________.

MP4: What rule might apply in this situation?

A rule that may apply can be ______________.

MPs

Applied MP

* Embedded MP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

*   *

Student Journal Pages

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