Question

For which value of m is the equation below true? x^m x^4=x^8? A m=4. B m=12. C m=32. D m=2

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

Using the rule of exponents

`a^(m)` ×
`a^(n)` ⇔
`a^(m+n)`, thus

Given

`x^(m)` ×
`x^(4)` =
`x^(8)`, that is

`x^(4+m)` =
`x^(8)`

Since the bases are the same equate the exponents

4 + m = 8 ( subtract 4 from both sides )

m = 4 → A