Final answer:
The rules for adding, subtracting, or multiplying exponents apply only when the base of the expressions is the same, allowing for the addition, subtraction, or multiplication of exponents respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The exponent rules of adding, subtracting, or multiplying exponents only work if the base is the same. When multiplying two expressions with the same base, you add the exponents. For example, a^m × a^n = a^m+n. However, this rule does not apply when the bases are unequal. Similarly, when dividing two expressions with the same base, you subtract the exponents: a^m ÷ a^n = a^m-n. Finally, when raising an exponent to another power, you multiply the exponents: (am)^n = a^m×n. These rules simplify the process of working with exponential expressions.