When are you supposed to add the exponents of a base and when are you supposed to subtract them? Watch this tutorial to find out.
Exponents should be added when multiplying bases that are the same. Example: (a^3)(a^2) = a^3+2 = a ^5
Exponents should be added when dividing bases that are the same. Example: b^5 / b^3 = b^5-3 = b^2