Algebra Section 2: Complex Expressions with Exponents

Table of Contents

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A. Exponents and Multiple Answers
B. Simplifying Bases
C. The Products of Monomials and/or Polynomials
D. Quadratic Equations: Multiplying Binomials
E. Factoring Polynomials

A. Exponents and Multiple Answers
Life is never easy for MBA applicants. One of the GRE's more difficult tricks is the "dual answer". You would think that a question like x² = 25 would be simple, but it is not because there are two answers: -5 and +5. Any number raised to an even numbered exponent will always be positive. The reason for this is that -5 × -5 is 25.

	The "no answer" trick x2 + 25 = 0 This is a "trick" statement because there isn't an answer to it. This breaks down into x2 = -25. x2 can't be a negative number. Therefore, x2 + 25 = 0 can't have a real answer.

Solving for Dual Answers

Contents of Algebra Chapter: Table of Contents Section 1: Simplifying Rules   Section 2: Complex Expressions with Exponents   Section 3: Manipulating Complex Expressions   Section 4: Inequalities   Section 3: Manipulating Complex Expressions