For instance, given (x2)2, don't try to do this in your head. Recall that the absolute value of a quantity is always positive or 0. The second set indicates multiplication. Additionally, you will see how to handle absolute value terms when you simplify expressions. (The fraction line acts as a type of grouping symbol, too; you simplify the numerator and denominator independently, and then divide the numerator by the denominator at the end. If the exponents have the same base, you can use a shortcut to simplify and calculate; otherwise, multiplying exponential expressions is still a simple operation. Another way to think about subtracting is to think about the distance between the two numbers on the number line. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Multiply-Exponents-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Multiply-Exponents-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Multiply-Exponents-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid2850587-v4-728px-Multiply-Exponents-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"