Dr. J's Maths.com
Where the techniques of Maths
are explained in simple terms.

Algebra - Indices and Powers.
Main page.


 

Remember that we have the six basic strategies for manipulating indices:

1. When multiplying terms with the same base, add the indices.

When dividing terms with the same base, subtract the indices.

 d a × d b = d a+b.
2. When applying an index to a index, multiply the indices
(and think - you have b groups of d a powers).		 (d a) b = d ab
3. When raising any base to an exponent of 1, the result is just the original base. x 1 = x
4. When raising any base to an exponent of 0 (zero), the result is always 1. x 0 = 1
5. Negative indices are used when moving terms between the numerator and denominator - or vice versa.
6. When reformatting a radical of a number, use a fractional index.

 

Introduction and basic questions.
Most relevant to Junior School and
Standard Maths courses in the Senior School.
  Basic concepts of indices - Test Yourself 1.
  Basic concepts of indices -
Test Yourself 1 - Solutions.
  Basic concepts (slightly harder - Test Yourself 2.
  Basic concepts (slightly harder) -
Test Yourself 2 - Solutions.
More advanced questions.
Most relevant to Maths courses at the top of the Junior school
and to Advanced Maths courses in the Senior School.
  Advanced concepts of indices and problems -
Test Yourself 3.
  Advanced concepts of indices and problems -
Test Yourself 3 - Solutions.