number and algebra

Topic 1

Indices
1.1 Overview
Why learn this?
Don’t you wish that your money could grow as quickly as a culture of
bacteria? Perhaps it can — both financial investments and a culture
of bacteria can grow exponentially, that is, according to the laws of
indices. Indices are useful when a number is continually multiplied by
itself, becoming very large, or perhaps very small.

What do you know?

1 Think List what you know about indices. Use a
thinking tool such as a concept map to show your list.
2 pair Share what you know with a partner and then with
a small group.
3 share As a class, create a thinking tool such as a large
concept map that shows your class’s knowledge of indices.

Learning sequence
1.1 Overview
1.2 Review of index laws
1.3 Negative indices
1.4 Fractional indices
1.5 Combining index laws
1.6 Review ONLINE ONLY
Watch this video
The story of mathematics:
Leibniz

Searchlight ID: eles-1840

number and algebra

1.2 Review of index laws

•• When a number or pronumeral is repeatedly multiplied by itself, it can be written in
a shorter form called index form.
•• A number written in index form has two parts, the base and the index, and is
written as:

Base ax Index
(power or
exponent)

•• Another name for an index is an exponent or a power.

•• Performing operations on numbers or pronumerals written in index form requires the
application of the index laws.
First Index Law: When terms with the same base are multiplied, the indices are added.
a m × a n = am + n
Second Index Law: When terms with the same base are divided, the indices are
subtracted.
a m ÷ a n = am − n

WORKED EXAMPLE 1 TI casio

Simplify each of the following.

2x5y4
a m 4n3p × m 2n5p 3 b 2a2b3 × 3ab4 c
10x2y3
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the expression. a m 4n 3p × m 2n 5p 3

2 Multiply the terms with the same base by = m4 + 2 n3 + 5 p1 + 3
adding the indices. Note: p = p1. = m 6n 8p 4
b 1 Write the expression. b 2a2b3 × 3ab4
2 Simplify by multiplying the coefficients, = 2 × 3 × a2 + 1 × b 3 + 4
then multiply the terms with the same = 6a3b7
base by adding the indices.

c 1 Write the expression. c 2x5y4

10x2y3
2 Simplify by dividing both of the 1x5 − 2y4 − 3
=
coefficients by the same factor, then 5
divide terms with the same base by x 3y
=
subtracting the indices. 5

Third Index Law: Any term (excluding 0) with an index of 0 is equal to 1.

a0 = 1, a ≠ 0

4 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

WORKED EXAMPLE 2

Simplify each of the following.

a (2b3) 0 b −4(a2b5) 0
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the expression. a (2b3) 0

2 Apply the Third Index Law, which states =1
that any term (excluding 0) with an index
of 0 is equal to 1.
b 1 Write the expression. b −4(a2b5) 0
2 The entire term inside the brackets has an = −4 × 1
index of 0, so the bracket is equal to 1.
3 Simplify. = −4

Fourth Index Law: When a power (am) is raised to a power, the indices are multiplied.
(am) n = amn
Fifth Index Law: When the base is a product, raise every part of the product to the
index outside the brackets.
(ab) m = ambm
Sixth Index Law: When the base is a fraction, multiply the indices of both the
numerator and denominator by the index outside the brackets.

a m am
a b = m
b b

WORKED EXAMPLE 3 TI casio

Simplify each of the following.

2x3 4
a (2n4) 3 b (3a2b7) 3 c a b d (−4) 3
y4
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the term. a (2n4) 3

2 Apply the Fourth Index Law and simplify. = 21 × 3 × n 4 × 3
= 23n12
= 8n12
b 1 Write the expression. b (3a2b7) 3
2 Apply the Fifth Index Law and simplify. = 31 × 3 × a2 × 3 × b7 × 3
= 33a6b21
= 27a6b21

Topic 1 • Indices 5
 number and algebra

c 1 Write the expression. c 2x3 4

a b
y4

Apply the Sixth Index Law and simplify. 21 × 4 × x 3 × 4

2 =
y4 × 4
16x12
=
y16
d 1 Write the expression. d (−4) 3
2 Write in expanded form. = −4 × −4 × −4
3 Simplify, taking careful note of the = −64
negative sign.

Exercise 1.2 Review of index laws

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
REFLECTION ⬛ Practise ⬛ consolidate ⬛ master
Why are these laws called Questions: Questions: Questions:
index laws? 1a–f, 2a–f, 3a–f, 4a–f, 6, 7a–f, 1d–i, 2d–i, 3a–f, 4e–l, 6, 7a–f, 1d–l, 2d–l, 3, 4d–o, 5, 6, 7d–i, 8–16
9, 10 9–11, 15
⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Individual pathway interactivity int-4562

FLUENCY
1 Simplify each of the following.
WE1a, b

a a3 × a4 b a2 × a3 × a c b × b5 × b2
d ab2 × a3b5 e m 2n 6 × m 3n 7 f a 2b 5c × a 3b 2c 2
4a2b3 × 5a2b × 12b5
doc-5168
g mnp × m5n3p4 h 2a × 3ab i
1
3m3 × 2mn2 × 6m4n5
j k 4x2 × xy3 × 6x3y3
2
l 2x3y2 × 4x × 12x4y4
2 WE1c Simplify each of the following.
doc-5169
a a4 ÷ a3 b a7 ÷ a2 c b6 ÷ b3
4a7 21b6 48m8
d e f
3a3 7b2 12m3
m 7n 3 2x4y3
g h i 6x7y ÷ 8x4
m 4n 2 4x4y
20m5n3p4 14x3y4z2
j 7ab5c4 ÷ ab2c4 k l
16m3n3p2 28x2y2z2
3 Simplify each of the following.
WE2

a a0 b (2b) 0 c (3m2) 0
d 3x0 e 4b0 f −3 × (2n) 0
a 0
g 4a0 − a b h 5y0 − 12 i 5x0 − (5xy2) 0
4

6 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

4 WE3 Simplify each of the following.

m2 4
a (a2) 3 b (2a5) 4 c a b
3
2n4 2
d a b e (a2b) 3 f (3a3b2) 2
3
3m2n 3 a2 2
g (2m3n5) 4 h a b i a b
4 b3
5m3 4 7x 3 3a 4
j ab k a b l a b
n2 2y5 5b3
m (−3) 5 n (−7) 2 o (−2) 5
5 MC a 2m10n5 is the simplified form of:
6m10n4
A m5n3 × 2m4n2 B C (2m5n2) 2
3n
2m5 2
D 2n(m5) 2 × n4 E a b
n3
b The value of 4 − (5a) 0 is:
A –1 B 9 C 1
D 3 E 5
6 MC a 4a b × b × 5a b simplifies to:
3 4 2 3

A 9a5b8 B 20a5b7 C 20a5b8

D 9a5b7 E 21a5b8
15x9 × 3x6
b simplifies to:
9x10 × x4
A 5x9 B 9x C 5x29
D 9x9 E 5x
3p7 × 8q9
c simplifies to:
12p3 × 4q5
p 4q 4 q4
A 2q4 B C
2 2
p 4q 4 q4
D E
24 24
5 3
7a b 7b3a2
d ÷ simplifies to:
5a6b2 5b5a4
49a3b 25a3b
A B C a 3b
25 49
25ab 3
D ab3 E
49
UNDERSTANDING
7 Evaluate each of the following.
a 23 × 22 × 2 b 2 × 32 × 22 c (52) 2
35 × 46 3 3
d e (23 × 5) 2 f Q R
34 × 44 5

44 × 56
g h (33 × 24) 0 i 4(52 × 35) 0
4 ×5
3 5

Topic 1 • Indices 7
number and algebra

8 Simplify each of the following.

a (xy) 3z b ab × (pq) 0
a2 x
c ma × nb × (mn) 0 d a b
b3
n 3m 2
e f (am + n) p
n pm q
reasoning
9 Explain why a3 × a2 = a5 and not a6.
10 Is 2x ever the same as x2? Explain your reasoning using examples.
11 Explain the difference between 3x0 and (3x) 0.
12 a In the following table, enter the values of 3a2 and 5a when a = 0, 1, 2 and 3.

a 0 1 2 3

3a2
5a

3a2 + 5a

3a2 × 5a
<***dia***>

<***dia***> bEnter the values of 3a2 + 5a and 3a2 × 5a in the table.

c What do you think will happen as a becomes very large?
13 Find algebraically the exact value of x if 4x+1 = 2x . Justify your answer.
2

14 Binary numbers (base 2 numbers) are used

in computer operations. As the name implies,
binary uses only two types of numbers, 0 and
1, to express all numbers. A binary number
such as 101 (read one, zero, one) means
(1 × 22) + (0 × 21) + (1 × 20) = 4 + 0 + 1 = 5
(in base 10, the base we are most familiar with).
The number 1010 (read one, zero, one, zero) means
(1 × 23) + (0 × 22) + (1 × 21) + (0 × 20) =
8 + 0 + 2 + 0 = 10.
If we read the binary number from right to left,
the index of 2 increases by one each time, beginning
with a power of zero.
Using this information, write out the numbers 1
to 10 in binary (base 2) form.
PROBLEM SOLVING
15 Solve for x:
7x × 71+2x
a = 16 807
(7x) 2
b 22x − 5(2x) = −4

8 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

16 For the following:

] a calculate the correct answer
b identify the error in the solution.

a 2b 3c 3 a 3b 2c 2 2 b 3c 3 ab2c2 2
a b × a b = a b × a b
a 2b 2 a 2b 3 b2 b3
bc 3 ac2 2
=a b × a b
1 b
abc3 6
=a b
b
ac3 6
=a b
1
= a c18
6

CHALLENGE 1.1

1.3 Negative indices

a3
•• Consider the expression . This expression can be simplified in two different ways.
a5
3 a×a×a
1. Written in expanded form: a =
a 5 a × a×a×a×a int-2777
1
=
a×a
1
= 2
a
3
2. Using the Second Index Law: a = a3−5
a5
= a−2
1
So, a−2 = .
a2

Topic 1 • Indices 9
number and algebra

1 a0
•• In general, = (1 = a0)
an an
= a0−n (using the Second Index Law)
= a−n
1
Seventh Index Law: a−n = n
a
•• The convention is that an expression should be written using positive indices and with
pronumerals given in alphabetical order.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4

Express each of the following with positive indices.

4
a x−3 b 2m−4n2 c
a−3
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the expression. a x −3

2 Apply the Seventh Index Law. 1
=
x3
b 1 Write the expression. b 2m −4n2
2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write the 2n2
= 4
expression with positive indices. m
c 1 Write the expression and rewrite the fraction, c 4
= 4 ÷ a −3
using a division sign. a −3
2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write the 1
  = 4 ÷
expression with positive indices. a3
3 To divide the fraction, change fraction division a3
=4×
into multiplication.    1
= 4a3

•• Part c from Worked example 4 demonstrates the converse of the Seventh Index Law
1
= an .
a−n

WORKED EXAMPLE 5 TI casio

Simplify each of the following, expressing the answers with positive indices.
2x4y2 2m3 −2
a a2b–3 × a–5b b c a b
3xy5 n −2
THINK WRITE
a 1 Write the expression. a a2b −3 × a −5b
2 Apply the First Index Law. Multiply terms with = a2 + −5b −3 + 1
the same base by adding the indices. = a −3b −2
3 Express the answer with positive indices. 1
= 3 2
ab

10 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

b 1 Write the expression. b 2x4y2

3xy5
2x4 − 1y2 − 5
2 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms with =
the same base by subtracting the indices. 3
2x3y −3
=
3
3 Express the answer with positive indices. 2x3
= 3
3y
c 1 Write the expression. c 2m −2
3
a −2 b
n
2 Apply the Sixth Index Law. Multiply the indices 2 −2m −6
=
of both the numerator and denominator by the n4
index outside the brackets.
3 Express all terms with positive indices. 1
=
2 2m 6n 4
4 Simplify. 1
=
4m6n4

•• Numbers in index form can be easily evaluated if they are expressed with positive
indices first. Consider the following example.

WORKED EXAMPLE 6

Evaluate 6 × 3 −3 without using a calculator.

THINK WRITE
1 Write the multiplication. 6 × 3 −3
2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write 3−3 with a 1
=6×
positive index. 33
3 Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole 6
=
number. 33
4 Evaluate the denominator. 6
=
27
5 Cancel by dividing both the numerator and 2
=
denominator by the highest common factor (3). 9

Exercise 1.3 Negative indices

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
⬛ Practise ⬛ consolidate ⬛ master REFLECTION
Questions: Questions: Questions: Are there any index laws from
1a–i, 2a–i, 3a–f, 4, 5a–e, 6a–b, 1a–i, 2a–i, 3c–h, 4, 5a–g, 6, 7, 1, 2c–o, 3c–l, 4, 5d–j, 6, 7, 8c–f, Section 1.2 that do not apply to
negative indices?
8a–c, 9, 11a, 12 8b–e, 9, 11a–b, 12, 13, 15, 18 9–18
⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Individual pathway interactivity int-4563

Topic 1 • Indices 11
number and algebra

FLUENCY
1 Express each of the following with positive indices.
WE4

a x−5 b y−4 c 2a−9

4
d a−3 e 3x2y−3 f 2−2m−3n−4
5
1 2
g 6a3b−1c−5 h i
a−6 3a−4
6a 7a−4 2m3n−5
j k l
3b−2 2b−3 3a−2b4
2 WE5 Simplify each of the following, expressing the answers with positive indices.
a a3b−2 × a−5b−1 b 2x−2y × 3x−4y−2 c 3m2n−5 × m−2n−3

d 4a3b2 ÷ a5b7 e 2xy6 ÷ 3x2y5 f 5x−2y3 ÷ 6xy2

6m4n 4x2y9 2m2n−4
g h i
2n3m6 x7y−3 6m5n−1
j (2a3m4) −5 k 4(p7q−4) −2 l 3(a−2b−3) 4
2p2 −3 a−4 2 6a2 −3
m a b n a b o a b
3q3 2b−3 3b−2
3 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.
WE6
−3
a 2 b 6−2 c 3−4
−2 −3
d 3 ×2 3 e 4 ×2 2 f 5 × 6−2
−3
6 4 × 3 1
g
−3
h i × 5−2 × 34
2 2−3 3

160 × 24 53 × 250 34 × 42
j k l
82 × 2−4 252 × 5−4 123 × 150
4 Write each of these numbers as a power of 2.
1 1
a 8 b c 32 d
8 64
5 Complete each statement by writing the correct index.
1 1
a 125 = 5 … b
16
= 4… c
7
= 7… d 216 = 6…
1
e 0.01 = 10… f 1 = 8… g 64 = 4… h
64
= 4…
1 1
i
64
= 2… j
64
= 8…
6 Evaluate the following expressions.
−1 −1 −1 −1
2 5 1 1
a a3 b b a4 b c a3 2 b d a5 b

7 Write the following expressions with positive indices.

a −1 a2 −1 a−2 −1 m3 −1
a a b b b a c a b d a b
b b3 b−3 n−2
8 Evaluate each of the following, using a calculator.
a 3–6 b 12−4 c 7–5
−8 −7
1 3
d a2 b e a4 b f (0.04) –5

12 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

9 MC a x–5 is the same as:

1 1
A –x5 B –5x C 5x D E
x5 x−5
1
b is the same as:
a−4
1
A 4a B –4a C a4 D E –a4
a4
<***dia***>

1
c
8
is the same as:
1
A 23 B 2–3 C 32 D 3–2 E
2−3
3m4
10 MC a Which of the following, when simplified, gives ?
4n2
3m−4n−2 3n−2
A B 3 × 2−2 × m4 × n−2 C
4 2−2m−4
22n−2
D E 3m4 × 22n−2
−1
3 m −4
3
b When simplified, 3a–2b–7 ÷ a–4b6 is equal to:
4
4 9b 9a2 4a2 4a2
A B C D E
a6b13 4a6 4b b13 b
c When (2x6y–4) –3 is simplified, it is equal to:

2x18 x18 y12 8y12 x18

A B C D E
y12 8y12 8x18 x18 6y12
2ax 3 8b9
d If a y b
is equal to , then x and y (in that order) are:
b a6
A −3 and –6 B –6 and −3 C −3 and 2
D −3 and –2 E –2 and −3

Understanding
11 Simplify, expressing your answer with positive indices.
m−3n−2 (m3n−2) −7 5(a3b−3) 2 (5a−2b) −1
a b c ÷
m−5n6 (m−5n3) 4 (ab−4) −1 (a−4b) 3
12 Simplify, expanding any expressions in brackets.
a (r3 + s3) (r3 − s3) b (m5 + n5) 2

(xa+1) b × xa+b px+1 −4 p8(x+1) p2

c d a b × ×
xa(b+1) × x2b px−1 (p2x) 4 (p12x) 0
2r × 8r
13 Write a b in the form 2ar+b.
2 × 16
2r

14 Write 2−m × 3−m × 62m × 32m × 22m as a power of 6.

15 Solve for x if 4x − 4x−1 = 48.
Reasoning
16 Explain why each of these statements is false. Illustrate each answer by substituting a
value for the pronumeral.
1
a 5x0 = 1 b 9x5 ÷ 3x5 = 3x c a 5 ÷ a 7 = a2 d 2c−4 =
2c4

Topic 1 • Indices 13
number and algebra

PROBLEM SOLVING
17 Solve for x and y if 5x−y = 625 and 32x × 3y = 243.
35x
Hence, evaluate .
7−2y × 5−3y
18 Solve for n. Verify your answers.
(3n) n × (3n) −1
a (2n) n × (2n) 3 × 4 = 1 b =1
81

1.4 Fractional indices

•• Terms with fractional indices can be written as surds, using the following laws:
1
n
1. an = "a
m
n n
a = " am
n 2.
= 1 "a 2 m
•• To understand how these laws are formed, consider the following numerical examples.
1 1
We know 4 2 × 4 2 = 41
and that !4 × !4 = !16
=4
1
It follows, then, that 42 = !4.
1 1 1
Similarly, we know that 83 × 83 × 83 = 81
3 3 3 3
and that " 8×" 8×" 8 =" 512
=8
1
3
It follows, then that 83 =" 8.
1
n
This observation can be generalised to an = "a.
m m × 1n m 1×m
Now consider: a n = a or a n = an
1 1
= (a ) n
m
= 1 an 2 m
n n
= " am = ("a) m
m
n n
Eighth Index Law: a n = "am = ("a) m

WORKED EXAMPLE 7

Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.

1 3
a 92 b 162
THINK WRITE
1
a 1 Rewrite the number using the Eighth Index Law. a 92 = !9
2 Evaluate. =3
  
m 3
b 1 Rewrite the number using a = n n
("a) m. b 162 = ( !16) 3
= 43
2 Simplify and evaluate the result.    = 64

14 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

WORKED EXAMPLE 8 TI casio

Simplify each of the following. 1

2 2
1 2 1
x3
a m5 × m5 b (a2b3) 6 c ± ≤
3
y4
THINK WRITE
a 1 Write the expression. a 1 2
m5 × m5
2 Apply the First Index Law to multiply terms with 3
the same base by adding the indices. = m5
b 1 Write the expression. b 1
(a2b3) 6
2 Use the Fourth Index Law to multiply each index 2 3
inside the brackets by the index outside the brackets. = a6 b 6
3 Simplify. 1 1
= a3 b 2
c 1 Write the expression. c 1
2 2
x3
± 3
≤
y4
2 Use the Sixth Index Law to multiply the index in both 1
the numerator and denominator by the index outside x3
= 3
the brackets.
y8

Exercise 1.4 Fractional indices

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
⬛ Practise ⬛ consolidate ⬛ master REFLECTION
Questions: Questions: Questions: Why is it easier to perform
1–5, 6a, d, g, 7a, d, 8a, d, g, 9a, 1–5, 6a, b, e, h, i, 7a, b, c, f, 8a, 1–5, 6c, f, i, 7c, f, 8c, f, i, 9b, c, e, f, operations with fractional
indices than with expressions
d, 10a, d, g, 11a, d, g, 12, 13, b, d, e, g, h, 9a, b, d, e, 10b, e, 10c, f, i, 11c, f, i, 12–19 using surds?
14a, d, g, 15, 16 h, 11b, e, h, 12, 13, 14b, e, h,
15, 16, 17
⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Individual pathway interactivity int-4564

FLUENCY
1 WE7 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.
1 1 1 1 1 1
a 162 252 b c 812 d 83 e 643 f 814
doc-5176
2 Write the following in surd form.
1 1 2 5
a 152 b m4 c 75 d 72 doc-5177

3 1
e w8 w1.25 f g 5 33 h a0.3
3 Write the following in index form. doc-5178

4 7 6 11 7 6
a !t b "5 c "6 d "x
6 7 5 10 x doc-5179
e "x f " w10 g "w5 h "11n

Topic 1 • Indices 15
number and algebra

4 Without using a calculator, find the exact value of each of the following.
2 4 3 4
a 83 b 83 c 325 d 325
3 2 −2 3
e 252 f 273 g 27 3 h 814
6 1
1 1
i 102 3612 j k 72 l 123
5 Using a calculator, evaluate each of the following. Give the answer correct to
2 decimal places.
1 1 1
a 33 b 52 c 75
1 3 4
d 89 e 128 f (0.6) 5
3 3 2
2 3 4
a b2
g h a b4 i a b3
3 4 5
6 WE8a Simplify each of the following.
3 1 1 3 1 1
a 45 × 45 b 28 × 28 c a2 × a3
3 2 1 1 3 2
1 7
d x4 × x5 e 5m3 × 2m5 f
2
b × 4b7
2 3 3 1
2
−4y2 × y9
g h a8 × 0.05a4
5
i 5x3 × x2
7 Simplify each of the following.
2 3 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 4
a a3 b4 × a3 b4 b x5 y9 × x5 y3 c 2ab3 × 3a5b5
3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 3
6m7 × 13m4n5
d e x 3y 2 z3 × x 6 y 3 z2 f 2a5b8c4 × 4b4c4
8 Simplify each of the following.
1 1 2 1 3
a 32 ÷ 33 b 53 ÷ 54 c 122 ÷ 122
4
6 3 3 1
m5
d a7 ÷ a7 e x2 ÷ x4 f
5
m9
3 3
2x4 7n2 25b5
g h i
3 4 1
4x5 21n3 20b4
9 Simplify each of the following.
4 3 5 2 2 2 3 4 3
a x 3y 2 ÷ x 3 y 5 b a9 b3 ÷ a5 b5 c m8n7 ÷ 3n8
3 3 7 1
4 2 1
5a4b5 p8 q4
d 10x5y ÷ 5x3y4 e
1 1
f
2 1
20a5b4 7p3q6
10 Simplify each of the following.
3 1
3 5 2 4 1
a 1 24 2 b 1 53 2 c 1 75 2 6
3 1
1 4 8 1 3
d (a3) 10 e 1 m9 2 f 1 2b2 2
14 n b
3 15 m p a c
n
g 4 1 p7 2 h 1x 2 i 1 3mb 2

16 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

11 WE8b, c Simplify each of the following.

1
1 1 2 3 3 7
a 1 a2 b3 2 4
b (a b) 4 c 1 x5 y8 2 2
1 1 3 2
1 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 3
1 3a b c 2 a4
d 3 5 4 e 51x y z 2
2 3 5 f a b
b
2 1 1
4 3 2 2
m5 b5 4x7
g ± 7
≤ h ± 4
≤ i ± 3
≤
n8 c9 2y4
2
12 MC a y5 is equal to:
1 1 1
2 5
A 1 y2 2 5 B y× C (y5) 2 D 2" y E 1 y5 2 2
2
5
b k3 is not equal to:
1 1 1
3 2 3
A 1 k3 2 2 B " k C  1 k2 2 3 D  1" k22 E  (k2) 3
1
c is equal to:
5
" g2
2 −2 5 −5 1
A  g5 B g 5 C g2 D g 2 E 2g5
3 m 1
13 MC a If 1 a4 2 n is equal to a4, then m and n could not be:
A  1 and 3 B  2 and 6 C  3 and 8 D  4 and 9 E  both C and D
p
m m
an
b When simplified, q n r is equal to:
p
b
m p mp m2
p n n np
a a a ap a
A  n B  n C  n D  E  nm
m m m bm
b b b b p2
14 Simplify each of the following.
3 9 4 3
a "a8 b " b c " m16 d "16x4 e " 8y9
4 3 5 3
f "16x8y12 g "27m9n15 h "32p5q10 i "216a6b18

UNDERSTANDING
15 The relationship between the length of a pendulum (L) in a grandfather clock and the
time it takes to complete one swing (T) in seconds is given by the following rule. Note
that g is the acceleration due to gravity and will be taken as 9.8.
1
L 2
T = 2πa b
g
a Calculate the time it takes a 1m long pendulum to complete one swing.
b Calculate the time it takes the pendulum to complete 10 swings.
c How many swings will be completed after 10 seconds?

REASONING
5
16 Using the index laws, show that " 32a5b10 = 2ab2.

Topic 1 • Indices 17
number and algebra

17 To rationalise a fraction means to remove all non-rational numbers from the denominator
a2
of the fraction. Rationalise by multiplying the numerator and denominator by
3 + "b 3
3−!b3, and then evaluate if b = a2 and a = 2. Show all of your working.

PROBLEM SOLVING
2 1 1 2 2
m5 − 2m5n5 + n5 − p5
18 Simplify 1 1 1
.
− −m5 n5 p5
19 A scientist has discovered a piece of paper with a complex formula written on it. She
thinks that someone has tried to disguise a simpler formula. The formula is:
4 13 2
"a a "b3 "a3b 2 b2 3
× b3 × ab × a b
"a1b ab2 a2 !b
a Simplify the formula using index laws so that it can be worked with.
b From your simplified formula, can a take a negative value? Explain.
c What is the smallest value for a for which the expression will give a rational
doc-5180
answer? Consider only integers.

1.5 Combining index laws

•• When several steps are needed to simplify an expression, expand brackets first.
•• When fractions are involved, it is usually easier to carry out all multiplications first,
leaving one division as the final process.
•• Final answers are conventionally written using positive indices.

WORKED EXAMPLE 9

Simplify each of the following.

(2a) 4b4 3n−2 × 9n+1
a b
6a3b2 81n−1
THINK WRITE
(2a) 4b4
a 1 Write the expression. a
6a3b2
2 Apply the Fourth Index Law to remove the 16a4b4
bracket. =
6a3b2
3 Apply the Second Index Law for each 8a4−3b4−2
number and pronumeral to simplify. =
3
4 Write the answer. 8ab2
     =
3
3n−2 × 9n+1
b 1 Write the expression. b
81n−1
2 Rewrite each term in the expression so that 3n−2 × (32) n+1
it has a base of 3. =
(34) n−1
3 Apply the Fourth Index Law to expand the 3n−2 × 32n+2
brackets. =
34n−4

18 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

4 Apply the First and Second Index Laws to 33n

simplify and write your answer. =
34n−4
1
= n−4
3

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

Simplify each of the following.

7xy3 2m5n × 3m7n4
a (2a3b) 4 × 4a2b3 b c
(3x3y2) 2 7m3n3 × mn2
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the expression. a (2a3b) 4 × 4a2b3

2 Apply the Fourth Index Law. Multiply = 24a12b4 × 4a2b3
each index inside the brackets by the index
outside the brackets.
3 Evaluate the number. = 16a12b4 × 4a2b3
4 Multiply coefficients and multiply = 16 × 4 × a12+2b4+3
pronumerals. Apply the First Index Law = 64a14b7
to multiply terms with the same base by
adding the indices.
7xy3
b 1 Write the expression. b
(3x3y2) 2
2 Apply the Fourth Index Law in the 7xy3
denominator. Multiply each index inside the =
9x6y4
brackets by the index outside the brackets.
7x−5y−1
3 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms =
with the same base by subtracting the indices. 9
1 7
4 Use a−m = m to express the answer with =
a 9x5y
positive indices.
2m5n × 3m7n4
c 1 Write the expression. c
7m3n3 × mn2
6m12n5
2 Simplify each numerator and denominator =
by multiplying coefficients and then terms 7m4n5
with the same base.
6m8n0
3 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms =
with the same base by subtracting the indices. 7
6m8 × 1
4 Simplify the numerator using a0 = 1. =
7
6m8
=
7

Topic 1 • Indices 19
 number and algebra

WORKED EXAMPLE 11 TI casio

Simplify each of the following.

(5a2b3) 2 a 2b 5 8m3n −4 4m −2n −4
a × b ÷
a10 (a3b) 7 (6mn2) 3 6m −5n
THINK WRITE

(5a2b3) 2 a 2b 5
a 1 Write the expression. a × 3 7
a10 (a b)
25a4b6 a2b5
2 Remove the brackets in the numerator of = × 21 7
the first fraction and in the denominator of a10 a b
the second fraction.
Multiply the numerators and then multiply 25a6b11
3 =
the denominators of the fractions. a31b7
(Simplify across.)
4 Divide terms with the same base by = 25a−25b4
subtracting the indices. (Simplify down.)
Express the answer with positive indices. 25b4
5 =
a25
8m3n−4 4m−2n−4
b 1 Write the expression. b ÷
(6mn2) 3 6m−5n

Remove the brackets. 8m3n−4 4m−2n−4

2 = ÷
216m3n6 6m−5n
Change the division to multiplication. 8m3n−4 6m−5n
3 = ×
216m3n6 4m−2n−4

Multiply the numerators and then multiply 48m−2n−3

4 =
the denominators. (Simplify across.) 864mn2

Cancel common factors and divide m−3n−5

5 =
pronumerals with the same base. (Simplify 18
down.)
1
6 Simplify and express the answer with =
positive indices. 18m3n5

Note that the whole numbers in part b of Worked example 11 could be cancelled in step 3.

Exercise 1.5 Combining index laws

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS
REFLECTION ⬛ Practise ⬛ consolidate ⬛ master
Do index laws need to be Questions: Questions: Questions:
performed in a certain order? 1a–d, 2a–d, 3a–d, 4a–d, 5a–d, 1c–h, 2c–f, 3c–g, 4b–f, 5c–f, 1f–j, 2e–i, 3f–i, 4d–f, 5e–h, 6–10,
6, 7, 9, 10, 11a, d, 12 6–10, 11b–e, 12 11c–f, 12–15
⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Individual pathway interactivity int-4565

20 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

FLUENCY
1 Simplify each of the following.
WE10a

a (3a2b2) 3 × 2a4b3 b (4ab5) 2 × 3a3b6

c 2m3n−5 × (m2n−3) −6 d (2pq3) 2 × (5p2q4) 3
e (2a7b2) 2 × (3a3b3) 2 f 5(b2c−2) 3 × 3(bc5) −4
1 1 3 4 1 3 1 1
g 6x2y3 × 1 4x4y5 2 2 h 1 16m3n4 2 4 × 1 m2n4 2 3
2 1 −3 1 −3 −1 1 2 −1 1 3 2
i 2 1 p3 q3 24 × 3 1 p4 q 4 23 j 1 8p5q3 2 3 × 1 64p3q4 2 3

2 WE10b Simplify each of the following.

5a2b3 4x5y6
a b
(2a3b) 3 (2xy3) 4

(3m2n3) 3 4x3y10 6
c d a b
(2m5n5) 7 2x7y4

3a3b−5 3g2h5 3
e f a b
(2a7b4) −3 2g4h
1
1 5p6q3 2 2 3b2c3 −4
g h a b
1 1 2
5b−3c−4
25 1 p2q4 2 3
1 1 1
1 x 3 y 4 z2 2 2
i
2 −1 1 −3
1 x 3 y 4 z3 2
2

3 WE10c Simplify each of the following.

2a2b × 3a3b4 4m6n3 × 12mn5
a b
4a3b5 6m7n6

10m6n5 × 2m2n3 6x3y2 × 4x6y

c d
12m4n × 5m2n3 9xy5 × 2x3y6

(6x3y2) 4 5x2y3 × 2xy5

e f
9x5y2 × 4xy7 10x3y4 × x4y2

a3b2 × 2(ab5) 3 (p6q2) −3 × 3pq

g h
6(a2b3) 3 × a4b 2p−4q−2 × (5pq4) −2
3 1 4 3
6x2y2 × x5y5
i
1 1 1 1
2 1 x2y 2 5 × 3x2y5

Topic 1 • Indices 21
number and algebra

4 WE11a Simplify each of the following.

a 3b 2 2a6b (2a6) 2 4ab6
a × b ×
5a4b7 a9b3 10a7b3 6a3

(m4n3) 2 (m3n3) 3 2m3n2 3 6m2n4

c × d a b ×
(m6n) 4 (2mn) 2 3mn5 4m3n10

2xy2 4 x 3y 9 2 4x−5y−3 3x5y6

e a b ×a b f ×
3x3y 5 2y 10 (x2y2) −2 2−2x−7y

1 1 1 1
5p6q−5 5p6q4 −2
2a2b3 1 4a4b 2 2
g ×a b h ×
3q−4 3p5 1 1 1
6a3b2 b4 a
2 1 1
3x3y5 4x2
i
1 1
× 3
9x3y4 x4 y
5 WE11b Simplify each of the following.
5a2b3 a9b4 7a2b4 3ab 3
a ÷ b ÷a b
6a7b5 3ab6 3a6b7 2a6b4
4a9 3 3a7 4 5x2y6 1 4x6y 2 3
c a b ÷a b d ÷
b6 2b5 1 2x4y5 2 2 10xy3

x5y−3 −4 4x6y−10 3m3n4 2m4n6 −2

e a b ÷ f ÷ a −1 b
2xy 5 (3x−2y2) −3 2m−6n−5 m n
1 1 1
1 3 3 1 −1 −3
6m3n4 4b c3
g 4m2n4 ÷ 3 1
h q 1
r 2 ÷ 1 2b3c 5 2 2

8m4n2 6c5b

UNDERSTANDING
6 Evaluate each of the following.
a (52 × 2) 0 × (5−3 × 20) 5 ÷ (56 × 2−1) −3
(26 × 39) 0
b (23 × 33) −2 ÷
26 × (3−2) −3
7 Evaluate the following for x = 8. (Hint: Simplify first.)
x 2 2x
(2x) −3 × a b ÷ 3 4
2 (2 )
a2y × 9by × (5ab) y
8 a Simplify the following fraction.
(ay) 3 × 5(3by) 2
b Find the value of y if the fraction is equal to 125.

22 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

3
9 MC Which of the following is not the same as (4xy) 2?
3 3
A 8x2y2 B ( !4xy) 3

1
(2x3y3) 2
C "64x3y3 D
( !32) −1
1 1
E 4xy2 × (2xy2) 2

x 2y xy
10 MC The expression ÷ is equal to:
(2xy2) 3 16x0

2 2x2 2 1
A B C 2x2y6 D E
x y6
2 b6 xy6 128xy5

11 Simplify the following.

1
a
3
" m2n ÷ "mn3 b 1 g−2h 2 3 × a 1 b 2
n−3
1
453 3 −1 −3
c
3 3 d 22 × 4 4 × 16 4
94 × 152
3 1
a3b−2 −2 3−3a−2b 2 5 3
e a b ÷ a b f 1 " d2 2 2 × 1 " d5 2 5
3−3b−3 a4b−2

REASONING
12 In a controlled breeding program at the Melbourne Zoo,
the population (P) of koalas at t years is modelled by
P = P0 × 10kt. The initial number of koalas is 20 and the
population of koalas after 1 year is 40. Given P0 = 20
and k = 0.3:
a calculate the number of koalas after 2 years
b determine when the population will be equal to 1000.
13 The decay of uranium is modelled by D = D0 × 2−kt.
If it takes 6 years for the mass of uranium to halve, find the
percentage remaining after:
a 2 years
b 5 years
c 10 years.
Give your answers to the nearest whole number.

Topic 1 • Indices 23
number and algebra

PROBLEM SOLVING
72x+1 − 72x−1 − 48
14 Simplify .
36 × 72x − 252
z4 + z−4 − 3
15 Simplify 1
.
doc-5181 −2
z +z
2
− 52

CHALLENGE 1.2

24 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

ONLINE ONLY 1.6 Review www.jacplus.com.au

The Maths Quest Review is available in a customisable format

Review
for students to demonstrate their knowledge of this topic.
The Review contains:

questions
• Fluency questions — allowing students to demonstrate the
skills they have developed to efficiently answer questions
using the most appropriate methods
• Problem Solving questions — allowing students to Download the Review
demonstrate their ability to make smart choices, to model questions document
and investigate problems, and to communicate solutions
effectively. from the links found in
A summary of the key points covered and a concept your eBookPLUS.
map summary of this topic are available as digital
documents.

Language

int-2826

base index pronumeral

constant index law simplify
denominator negative substitute
int-2827 evaluate numerator surd
exponent positive
expression power indices

int-3588

Link to assessON for The story of mathematics

questions to test your is an exclusive Jacaranda
readiness FOR learning, video series that explores the
your progress AS you learn and your history of mathematics and
levels OF achievement. how it helped shape the world
assessON provides sets of questions we live in today.
for every topic in your course, as well Leibniz (eles-1840) tells the story of Gottfried
as giving instant feedback and worked Leibniz, a remarkable mathematician who
solutions to help improve your mathematical helped refine the binary system that underpins
skills. nearly every piece of modern technology in the
www.assesson.com.au world today.

Topic 1 • Indices 25
number and algebra
<INVEStigation>
investigation for rich task or <number and algebra> for puzzle

RICH TASK

Digital world: ‘A bit of this

and a byte of that’

1 Complete the table below to show the difference in value between the binary and decimal systems.

26 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number
number and
and algebra
algebra

2 The two numbering systems have led to some confusion, with some manufacturers of digital products
thinking of a kilobyte as 1000 bytes rather than 1024 bytes. Similar confusion arises with megabytes,
gigabytes, terabytes and so on. This means you might not be getting exactly the amount of storage that
you think.
If you bought a device quoted as having 16 GB memory, what would be the difference in memory
storage if the device had been manufactured using the decimal value of GB as opposed to the binary
system?
Many devices allow you to check the availability of storage. On one such device, the iPhone, available
storage is found by going to ‘General’ under the heading ‘Settings’.
3 How much storage is left in MB on the following iPhone?
4 If each photo uses 3.2 MB of memory, how many photos can be added?

General Usage

Storage
3.9 GB Available 9.5 GB Used

Photos & Camera 1.6 GB

Radio 1.6 GB

Maps 1.2 GB

My Movie 461 MB

Have you ever wondered about the capacity of our brain to store information and the speed at which
information is transmitted inside it?
5 Discuss how the storage and speed of our brains compares to our current ability to send and store
information in the digital world. The capacity of the human brain is 10–100 terabytes. On average
20 million billion bits of information are transmitted within the brain per second.
6 Investigate which country has the fastest internet speed and compare this to Australia.

Topic 1 • Indices 27
<INVEStigation>
number and algebra
for rich task or <number and algebra> for puzzle

CODE PUZZLE

What historical event took

place in France in 1783?
Match the expressions across the top and on the left-hand side with
the equivalent answer along the bottom or right-hand side by ruling a
line between the dots. Each line passes through a number and a letter
to reveal the puzzle's code.

x –4 2
3xy2 × 2x2y2 ( 2y –2 )
3 3 2
(3x2y)0 x2 (x 4 ) 5 (2x3)3
1
3x 3y x
9x 4y 2 3
3
B 4
814 16 I
6x –2y –3 V
11 13
36x –3 y Y T 9
x3
x–2 27
A
2 D 4xy2
4(xy ) 3 0
1
3 8 12 8x9
X–3
H E
4 O 5 24
x M 1
3xy
1
x2 ÷x3
1
S R
–1 15 14
x 2 6x3y4
3
N 6
64x y 3 6
17 F 3
x 10
7 4
3 L 10
G 1
2–3 x4

y4 x 1 1
3x3
4x8
1 6y4 x2
x6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 8 9 10 10 3 11 2 12 1 9 5 6

13 9 14 14 12 12 10 4 14 5 15 2 1 5 10 9

13 9 14 14 12 12 10 5 10 16 3 10 1 3 11 13 17 1 2 3

8 12 10 1 15 12 14 4 5 3 6 13 6 12 1 2 3 6 7

28 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

Activities
1.1 Overview • SkillSHEET (doc-5178): Multiplication of fractions
Video • SkillSHEET (doc-5179): Writing roots as fractional indices
• The story of mathematics (eles-1840) • WorkSHEET 1.1 (doc-5180): Fractional indices
1.2 Review of index laws Interactivity
Digital docs • IP interactivity 1.4 (int-4564): Fractional indices
• SkillSHEET (doc-5168): Index form 1.5 Combining index laws
• SkillSHEET (doc-5169): Using a calculator to evaluate Digital doc
numbers given in index form • WorkSHEET 1.2 (doc-5181): Combining index laws
Interactivity Interactivity
• IP interactivity 1.2 (int-4562): Review of index laws • IP interactivity 1.5 (int-4565): Combining index laws
1.3 Negative indices 1.6 Review
Interactivities Interactivities
• Colour code breaker (int-2777) • Word search (int-2826)
• IP interactivity 1.3 (int-4563): Negative indices • Crossword (int-2827)
1.4 Fractional indices • Sudoku (int-3588)
Digital docs Digital docs
• SkillSHEET (doc-5176): Addition of fractions • Topic summary (doc‐13801)
• SkillSHEET (doc-5177): Subtraction of fractions • Concept map (doc‐13802)

To access eBookPLUS activities, log on to www.jacplus.com.au

Topic 1 • Indices 29
number and algebra

Answers
Topic 1 Indices
Exercise 1.2 — Review of index laws Exercise 1.3 — Negative indices
1    a a7 b a6 c b8 d a4b7 1 1 2
1    a b c
e m5n13 f a5b7c3 g m6n4p5 h 6a2b x5 y4 a9
i 10a4b9 j 36m8n7 k 12x6y6 l 4x8y6 4 3x2 1
4 4 d e f
2    a a b a5 c b3 d a 5a 3
y 3
4m3n4
3

e 3b4 f 4m5 g m3n h

1 2
y 6a3 2a4
2 g h a6 i
3 3 5 2 2 1 2 bc5 3
3
i
4
xy j 7b k
4
mp l
2
xy 7b3 2m3a2
j 2ab2 k l
3    a 1 b 1 c 1 2a4 3b4n5
d 3 e 4 f −3 1 6 3 4
2    a b c d
g 3 h −7 i 4 a2b3 x6y n8 a2b5
1 8 2y 5y 3 4y12
4    a a6 b 16a20 c m e f g h
81
4 8
3x 6x3 m2n2 x5
d n e a6b3 f 9a6b4 4q8
9 1 1 3
27 6 3 a4 i j k l
g 16m12n20 h mn i 3m3n3 32a15m20 p14 a8b12
64 6
b
27q9 b6 1
625m12 343x3 81a4 m n o
j k l 8p6 4a8 8a6b6
8
n 8y15 625b12
1 1 1 8
m −243 n 49 o −32 3    a b c d
8 36 81 9
5    a D b D 1 5 32
e f g 48 h
6    a C b E c B d D 16 36 27

7    a 64 b 72 c 625
i
27 2
= 1 25 j 4 k 125 l
3
27 25 4
d 48 e 1600 f
125
4    a 23 b 2−3 c 25 d 2−6
g 20 h 1 i 4
8    a x3yz b ab c manb 5    a 3 b −2 c −1 d 3
a2x e n m 3−p 2−q
f amp + np e −2 f 0 g 3 h −3
d
i −6 j −2
b3x
3 4 2
9     a3 = a × a × a 6    a
2
b
5
c
7
d 5
a2 = a × a
a3 × a2 = a × a × a × a × a b b3 a2 1
7    a b c d
= a5, not a6 a a2 b3 m3n2
Explanations will vary. 1 1
8    a b
10 They are equal when x = 2. Explanations will vary. 729 20 736
11 3x0 = 3 and (3x) 0 = 1. Explanations will vary. 1
c 0.000 059 499 or d 256
12    a, b 16 807
16 384
a 0 1 2 3 e
2187
f 9  765  625
3a2 0 3 12 27 9    a D b C c B
5a 0 5 10 15 10    a B b D c C d E
3a2 + 5a 0 8 22 42 m2 n2 25
11    a b c
3a2 × 5a 0 15 120 405 n8 m a7b6
c 3a2 × 5a will become much larger than 3a2 + 5a. 12    a r6 − s6 b m10 + 2m5n5 + n10
13 1 ± !3 c 1 d p2
13 2 2r − 4 14 6 3m 15 x = 3
14 1 ≡ 1 2 ≡ 10 3 ≡ 11 4 ≡ 100 5 ≡ 101
6 ≡ 110 7 ≡ 111 8 ≡ 1000 9 ≡ 1001 10 ≡ 1010 16 Answers will vary; check with your teacher.
15 a x = 4 b x = 0, 2 17 x = 3, y = −1; 7
16 a a2bc7 18    a n = −1, −2 b n = −1, 4
b The student made a mistake when multiplying the two
brackets in line 3. Individual brackets should be expanded Exercise 1.4 — Fractional indices
first. 1    a 4 b 5 c 9
d 2 e 4 f 3
Challenge 1.1 4 5
2    a !15 b "m c "72 d "75
1.08 seconds
8 4 3 10
e "w3 f " w5 g "510 h "a3

30 Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 number and algebra

1 7 11 6 Exercise 1.5 — Combining index laws

3    a t2 b 54 c 66 d x7 2n13
7 1 n 1    a 54a10b9 b 48a5b16 c d 500p8q18
e x6 f w2 g w2 h 11
x m9
7 11 15 15
4    a 4 b 16 c 8 d 16 15b2
e 36a20b10 f g 12x8y15 h 8m 4 n 4
1 c26
e 125 f 9 g h 27
9 7 5
i 1000 j 216 k !7 l
3
" 12 6
i j 8p45q18
5    a 1.44 b 2.24 c 1.48 7
p12
d 1.26 e 2.54 f 0.66
g 0.54 h 0.81 i 0.86 5 x 27
2    a b c
4 1 5 8a7 4y6 128m29n26
6    a 45 b 22 c a6 64y36 27h12
23 8 5 d e 24a24b7 f
d x20 e 10m15 f 2b7 x24 8g6
20 9 7 35 1 5 1 3
g −4y 9 h 0.02a8 i 5x2 625
g p 3 q2 h i x3y8z2
3 4 5 8 17 81b20c28
7    a ab2 b x5y9 c 6a5b15 3a2 m2n4
3    a b 8n2 c
19 2 19 5 5 2 9 2 3
d 2m28n5 e x 6 y6z6 f 8a5b8c
4x5 36x6 y2
1 5 1 d e f
3y 8 y x4
8    a 36 b 512 c 122
17 7
3 5 11 b7 75q5
d a7 e x4 f m45 g h i x10y10
3 2 7 3a4 2p11
1 20 1 3 5 20
g x h n i b
2 3 4 2 4a3b3 n9
4    a b c
5 7 7 4 3 11 5a4b7 15 4m9
1 8 56
9    a x3y5 b a45b15 c mn 4m 5
4
3
d e f 48x11y6
2 3 11 7
1 20 20
5 1
1 24 12 9n15 81x2y14
d 2x15y4 e
4
a b f
7
p q 1 1
3p4 2b12 4x12
9 1 6 g h i
10    a 220 b 56 c 75 5q9 17 21

3 1 1 1
3a24 3y20
d a10 e m6 f 23b6 5 56a11b6 1024b2 25
2 m b a 5    a b c d
p c c 2a13 81 81a 128x23y4
g 4p5 h x i 3m
11 11
1 1 3 6 7 4y36 16m12n 4b 2
11    a a4b6 b a3b4 c x5y4 e f 6m19n19 g h
1 27x16 3 1 7
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 32c30
a2 6    a
125
b 1
d 33a9b5c4 e 5x4y3z5 f 8
2
7 1
b3
8 2 1 7 8    a 5y−1 b y=4
m5 b5 2 2x 2 9 E
g h i
7 8 3 10 A
n4 c 27 y8 1 −7 3 −7 −7
6 m
12    a E b C c B 11    a m6n 6 or b g−6h3n2 c 3 3 ×5 6
Å n7
14
13    a E b B 1 a6 15
d 2−2 or e a6b−8 or f d15 or "d14
4 8
14    a a4 b b3 c m 4 b
d 4x2 e 2y3 f 2x2y3 12    a 79 koalas b During the 6th year
g 3m3n5 h 2pq2 i 6a2b6 13    a 79%
15    a 2.007 s b 20.07 s c 4.98 swings b 56%
1 a2 Q 3 − "b3 R 4 c 31%
16 (25a5b10) 5 = 2ab2 17 ; 4
9 − b3 11 14
1 1 1 21
18 m5 − n5 + p5 15 z2 + z−2 + "5
−1 13
Challenge 1.2
19    a a 4 × b2 2y
b No, because you can’t take the fourth root of a negative x=
y−z
number.
c a=1

Topic 1 • Indices 31
number and algebra

Investigation — Rich task 2 Approximately 1.1 GB

1
3 3993.6 MB
4 1248 photos
Power of 2 and Power of 10 and 5 Discuss with your teacher.
Unit Symbol value in bytes value in bytes 6 Discuss with your teacher. The discussion will depend on the
latest information from the internet.
Byte B 20 = 1 100 = 1
Code puzzle
Kilobyte KB 210 = 1024 103 = 1000 The first manned hot-air balloon flight in a balloon invented by the
Montgolfier brothers
Megabyte MB 220 = 1  048  576 106 = 1  000  000

Gigabyte GB 230 = 1  073  741  824 109 = 1  000  000  000

Terabyte TB 240 = 1  099  511  627  776 1012 = 1  000  000  000  000

32 Maths Quest 10 + 10A