Directorate: Curriculum FET

SUBJECT and GRADE Mathematics Grade 11

TERM 1 Week 1
TOPIC Exponents and Surds
AIMS OF LESSON ● Defining a rational exponent.
● Simplifying expression
● Solving exponential equations.
● Defining surds
● Identifying complex, simple and mixed surds
● Simplifying surds
● Solving equations containing surds.
RESOURCES Paper based resources Digital resources
Please go to EXPONENTS AND SURDS chapter in Where you see this icon in the lesson you can click on it to see a
your textbook. video on concepts and calculations of EXPONENTS AND SURDS.
INTRODUCTION
Dear learner in this chapter we review the laws of exponents and exponential equations. When we’ve covered that, we will have a look at rational exponents and
surds. You will also learn how to solve exponential equations, simplify surds and solve equations containing surds.

Concepts and skills

Exponents: The exponent of a number tells us how many times to multiply the number (the base) by itself.
Exponent the exponent
𝒏
𝒂 Power 𝟔𝟒 = 𝟐 𝟔

Base the base

the power
𝑛
𝑎 = 𝑎 × 𝑎 × 𝑎 × … … 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 ∈ 𝑅 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 ∈ 𝑅
𝑎2 = 𝑎 × 𝑎
26 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 64
 A) LAWS of EXPONENTS
These laws assume that a and b are positive real numbers
https://youtu.be/iTt3TVjsjuY
Laws of exponents only apply to multiplication, division, brackets and roots and not to addition and subtraction
No Algebraic Notation Exponential Notation Exponential laws in operation
16 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 4
1 16 = 2 When we multiply the same bases we ADD the exponents
𝒂𝒏 × 𝒂𝒎 = 𝒂𝒏+𝒎
2 64 26 When we divide the same bases we minus the exponents (top minus bottom)
=4 = 22
16 2 4 𝒂𝒎
= 𝒂𝒎−𝒏
𝒂𝒏
3 43 = 64 𝟑
(𝟐𝟐 ) = 𝟐𝟔 When we have the exponents outside the brackets we distribute them into the
brackets (exponent on the outside is multiplied by the exponent(s) on the inside)
(𝒂𝒎 )𝒏 = 𝒂𝒎𝒏
4 4 × 9 = 36 22 × 32 = 62 When we have non-identical bases, but identical exponents, we keep the
1 1 1 exponents and multiply the bases (this same rule will also apply for division)
√2 × √3=√6 22 × 32 = 62
(𝒂𝒃)𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒏
5 4 3 64 4 3 41×3 64 When a fraction is raised to a power, both the numerator and denominator are
( ) = =8 ( 2 ) = 2×3 = 6 𝒂 𝒎 𝒂𝒎
2 8 𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 raised to the power ( ) = 𝒎
𝒃 𝒃
Exponential definition :
1 3 1 1
𝑥 −𝑛 = 𝑛
This definition allows us to move numbers or variables from the top to the
𝑥 −2
= 3𝑥 2 or 2−3 = 23
=8
𝑥 bottom of a fraction, or bottom to top

𝑥 0 = 1, 𝑥≠0 Any base (except zero)to the power of zero is equal to 1 100 = 1 ; (2𝑎𝑏 2 )0 = 1

NB −100 = −1 𝑏𝑢𝑡 (−10)0 = 1

Study and work through each concept above as to ensure that you understand the laws and exponential definitions.
We will now do some Gr 10 revision to recap our content knowledge and prepare us for new added content of Exponents and Surds
Worked Example 1
Let us work through a few examples of how to apply these laws https://youtu.be/Hn_rbQ2zSAU

Simplify without using a calculator

−𝟑
𝟐𝒙𝟑
1. 𝑦 3 × 𝑦 2. 96 ÷ 94 3. (𝑦 𝑥 2 )7 4. (𝟖𝒚−𝟒) 5. (−3𝑎2 )2 (2𝑎)3

Solutions [Can you identify all the exponent laws and definitions?]
−𝟑
𝟐𝒙𝟑
1. 𝑦 3 × 𝑦 2. 9 6 ÷ 94 3. (𝑦 𝑥 2 )7 4. ( ) 5. (−3𝑎2 )2 (2𝑎)3
𝟖𝒚−𝟒
𝟑
𝟖𝒚−𝟒
= 𝑦 3 × 𝑦1 =9 (6−4) =𝑦 (1×7) 𝑥 (2×7) =( 𝟐𝒙𝟑 ) =9𝑎4 . 8𝑎3
𝟒 𝟑
= 𝑦4 =92 =𝑦 7 𝑥14 = (𝒙𝟑𝒚𝟒) =72𝑎7
43 64
81 =𝑥 3×3 𝑦4×3 = 𝑥 9 𝑦12

Can you?
Apply the laws to simplify the following without the use of a calculator
𝟑
𝟐𝒙𝟐
1. 𝑦 2𝑛 . 𝑦 5 2. 𝑎3𝑛 ÷ 𝑎𝑛 3. ( 𝑥 2 )4 4. (𝟑𝒚𝟑) 5. ( −3𝑦 3 )2
Answers:
8𝑥 6
1. 𝑦 2𝑛+5 2. 𝑎2𝑛 3. 𝑥 8 4. 5. 9𝑦 6 Rational numbers include all numbers that
27𝑦 9
can be written as fractions in the form
𝑎
𝑏
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ 𝑍 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑏 ≠ 0
B) Simplifying expressions involving rational exponents
When compound numbers are raised to a rational exponent, it can be simplified
𝟑 𝟑
by using prime factors and the rule for raising a power to another power e.g. 𝟑𝟐𝟓 = (𝟐𝟓 )𝟓 = 𝟐𝟑 = 𝟖
 1
𝑛
Consider the following √𝑎 = 𝑎𝑛 if we raise both sides to the power m we have
1
𝑛
( √𝑎)𝑚 = (𝑎𝑛 )𝑚

𝑚
𝑛
Therefore √𝑎𝑚 = 𝑎 𝑛
Work through all the
Worked examples 2 calculations in the worked
Simplify the following expressions, without a calculator and leave your answers with positive exponents. examples and identify
laws and definitions
1 1 1
1 −2𝑥 −2
((−2𝑥)−2 )−3
5
1. (8)3 2. ( 4)−2 3. (8𝑎6 𝑏12 )3 4. √322 5.
Solutions
1 1 1
1 −2𝑥 −2
5. ((−2𝑥)−2 )−3
5
1. (8)3 2. ( 4)−2 3. (8𝑎6 𝑏12 )3 4. √322
1 1 1
−2𝑥 −2
=((−2)−2 𝑥 −2 )−3
5
=(23 )3 = 42 = (23 𝑎6 𝑏12 )3 = √(25 )2
2 −1
=2 = 16 = 2𝑎2 𝑏 4 =(25 )5 =(−2𝑥 −2 . (−2)2 𝑥 2 ) 3
−1
= 22 = 4 = (−23 ) 3
1
=−2−1 = − 2

CAN YOU simplify the following expressions, without the use of a calculator? Your answers should have positive exponents.
𝟏
𝟏 −𝟑
𝟐
√𝒙 𝟑 −𝟐 𝟑
𝟐𝟕𝒂 𝒃𝟑 𝟔
1. (𝟐) 2. 3−1 . 20 3. ( −𝟑 ) 4. (𝟑 𝟖) 𝟑 5. √ 𝟔𝟒𝒄𝟗
𝒙𝟐
Answers
𝟏 𝟒 𝟑𝒂𝒃𝟐
1. 8 2. 𝟑
3. 𝒙 4. 𝟗
5. 𝟒𝒄𝟑
C. Simplifying expressions using factors
The questions that you would need to solve can be divided into one of the two types
Type 1: How to simplify expressions consisting of one term Type 2: How to simplify expressions consisting of more than one term
When the expression consists of one term (only multiplication and division) factorise When an expression consists of more than one term you have to factorise
into prime factors and apply the exponential laws. the expression before you can simplify (terms are separated by + or –
Follow and understand the following steps signs)
1. Rewrite all composite numbers as a product of their prime factors. Follow and understand the following steps
2. Use exponential laws to raise all powers appropriately.
3. Use the rule for division to move all bases into the numerator 1. Separate and factorise
4. Then simplify 2. Simplify further using your knowledge of common fractions
Worked example 3 𝑎 → 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
Simplify: 𝑏 → 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
25𝑛 . 36𝑛+1 Worked example 4
81. 30 2𝑛 Simplify: 3𝑥+1 + 3𝑥 [the common factor in each term is 3𝑥 ]
𝑥
Factorise into =3 (3 + 1) Divide by the common factor
prime numbers (5 2 𝑛
) . (2 2 2 𝑛+1
. 3 ) [ 3𝑥+1 ÷ 3𝑥 = 3 and 3𝑥 ÷ 3𝑥 = 1 ]
𝑥
34 . (2.3.5)2𝑛 =3 .4

Apply exponent 52𝑛 . 22𝑛+2 .3 2𝑛+2 Worked example 5

laws 2𝑥+3 − 2.2𝑥
34 . 22𝑛 32𝑛 . 52𝑛
* 2𝑥
𝟐𝒏+𝟐−𝟐𝒏 𝟐𝒏+𝟐−𝟒−𝟐𝒏
𝟐 .𝟑 Remember
𝟐𝟐 . 𝟑−𝟐 1 2𝑥 . 23 − 2. 2𝑥
3−2 = 32
2𝑥
𝟒
2𝑥 (8 − 2)
𝟗 = 6
Can you ? 2𝑥
Simplify the following expressions
8𝑛+3 .32−𝑛−1 .62𝑛 2.3𝑥−1 − 3𝑥 Answers
1. 9𝑛
2. 3𝑥 − 3𝑥−1
15
1. 16 2.
2
3. Write down the values of a, b and c 1 1 1
64𝑎 = 8 64𝑏 = 4 64𝑐 = 2 3 a=2 b= 3
c= 6
D. Exponential Equations
There are two types of exponential equations:
• Type 1 : Equations with the exponent as the unknown
• Type 2: Equations with the base as the unknown

Type 1: Variables is in an exponent

Equations with one term on either side of the equation
This type of equation is using the basic premise that if 𝒂𝒙 = 𝒂𝒃 , 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒙 = 𝒃, for 𝒂 ≠ 𝟎
For example, consider the equation 3𝑥 = 9. The equation can be solved as follows:
3𝑥 = 9
∴ 3𝑥 = 32 write 9 to the base of 3
∴ 𝑥 = 2 Equate the exponents
The intention is therefor to express both sides of the equation with the same base so that we can equate the exponents.
Worked examples 6
If 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹, 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒙 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 Study and work through this
𝑥−1 −1 𝑥−2 𝑥 worked examples step by step until
1. 4 =8 2. (5 ) = 125
Solutions you understand each calculation.
𝑥−1 −1
1. 4 =8
2 𝑥−1
(2 ) = (23 )−1 express each term as a product of its prime factors CAN YOU solve for x in the following equations?
2 2𝑥−2
=2 −3 1. 9𝑥+1 = 27𝑥
2𝑥 − 2 = −3 equate the exponents
2
2𝑥 = −1 1 𝑥 +9
1
2. ( ) = 4𝑥−4
2
∴ 𝑥 = −2
3. 4 . 37𝑥 = 9.27𝑥
2. (5𝑥−2 )𝑥 = 125
2
5𝑥 −2𝑥 = 53 express each term as a product of its prime factors Answers
∴ 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 = 3 equate the exponents 1. 𝒙 = 𝟐
2
𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0 factorise to solve the trinomial 2. 𝒙 = −𝟏
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 3. 𝒙 = 𝟕
𝟐

∴ 𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1
Equations with more than one term on each side of the equation In the previous examples the equation only had one solution. However we will
Type 1: The exponent is x: collect the terms with an exponent of x on the now look at equations that has 2 solutions.
LHS ,and write the constant on the RHS. Take out the common factor from When solving exponential equations we can generalize this as follows
𝑚
the LHS. If 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑐 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑐 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛:
Type 2 If one of the terms has an exponent of 2𝑥, 𝑒. 𝑔. 32𝑥 , this indicates a • If m is odd , then there is only one solution.
quadratic equation. Write in standard form, and equate to zero. Factorise and • If m is even, then there are two solutions, one positive and one negative
set each of the factors equal to zero and solve
Worked examples 7
Solve for x if 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹
2. 52𝑥 − 4.5𝑥 − 5 = 0 [the coefficients of the exponents of x differs]
1. 3𝑥 − 3𝑥−2 = 24 Pay careful attention to the following steps
3𝑥 (1 − 3−2 ) = 24 Factorise using common factors Let 5𝑥 = 𝑘, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 52𝑥 = 𝑘 2
8
3𝑥 (9) = 24 Simplify Factorise the quadratic equation
9 Solve for k
3𝑥 = 24 ×
8
Then solve for x
3𝑥 = 27 Express each term as a product of its prime factors
𝑘 2 − 4𝑘 − 5 = 0
3 𝑥 = 33 equate the exponents once the bases are equal
(𝑘 − 5)(𝑘 + 1) = 0
∴𝑥=3
𝑘 = 5 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = −1
3. Solve for x
5𝑥 = 51 𝑜𝑟 5𝑥 = −1
2𝑥+1 + 23 . 2−𝑥 = 17 Factorise the LHS
1 1
∴𝑥=1
2𝑥 . 21 + 23 . (2𝑥 ) = 17 write 2−𝑥 𝑎𝑠 2𝑥 Since there is no value of x that will give us a negative value in the second
1 solution, this solution is invalid. Therefor ,x=1 is the only valid solution
𝑘. 21 + 23 (𝑘) = 17 Let 2𝑥 = 𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡
2𝑘 2 + 8= 17k
CAN YOU solve for x if 𝒙 ∈ 𝑹
2𝑘 2 − 17 𝑘 + 8 = 0 factorise the quadratic equation
1. 4𝑥+1 −64= 0
(2𝑘 − 1)(𝑘 − 8) = 0
1 2. 3. 32𝑥 − 4. 3𝑥 = −1
𝑘= 2
or 𝑘 = 8 Solve for k Answer
𝑥 −1 𝑥 3
2 = 2 𝑜𝑟 2 = 2 Solve for x 1. 𝒙 = 𝟐 2. 𝒙 = −𝟏 𝒐𝒓 𝟎
∴ 𝑥 = −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3
Type 2: Variables is in the base
• Surds that have even roots (i.e. the denominator is even) have two possible answers so…
3 3
If the unknown variable (say x) is a
2
162 = √163 = ± 162 base, we raise both sides to the same
• Surds that have odd roots (i.e the denominator is odd) only have one possible answer so… power ( the reciprocal of the power of
2
16 −3 = √64−2
3 x) in order to change the exponent of
the unknown to 1
Worked example
Solve for 𝑥 𝑖𝑓 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅
2
1. 2𝑥 3 = 32 [first divide by 2, which is the coefficient of x]
2
𝑥 = 16
3
3
2 2 3
(𝑥 ) =±(16)2
3 [raise both sides to the reciprocal power] CAN YOU?
3
𝑥 = ±(24 ) 2 [express 16 as a product of its prime factors] 5

𝑥 = ±26 1. Solve for x if 3𝑥 2 = 96

5
∴ 𝑥 = ±64 2. Solve for x if 3𝑥 −3 + 16 = 112

𝟑 Answers
2. 𝒙−𝟐 = 𝟔𝟒
𝟑 −
𝟐
𝟐
1. 𝑥 = 4
− 𝟑 − 1
(𝒙 ) 𝟐 = (𝟔𝟒) 𝟑 Please note that the reciprocal power must also be negative 2. 𝑥 = 2−3 = 8
𝟐
𝒙= (𝟐𝟔 )−𝟑
𝒙 = 𝟐−𝟒
𝟏
∴= 𝟏𝟔
E) Simplification of Surds
https://youtu.be/hcsHHWvNZWo
• Definition: a surd is the root of a whole number that produces an irrational number.
• Therefor a surd is the root of a number that cannot be determined exactly.
• An irrational number is a number that cannot be expressed as an integer or as a fraction that results in a finite number of digits (i.e. is a number
that is non- recurring, non-terminating decimal)
3
• Examples would be √3, √7 √5
•
𝑛
If √𝑎 = 𝑥, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑎
1
• If 𝑛√𝑎 = 𝑎𝑛
Laws of surds examples Explanatory notes
•
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
√𝑥 × √𝑦 = √𝑥. 𝑦 √5 × √3 = √15 When surds are multiplied they can be split
apart and rooted individually
• √20 = √4 × √5 =2√5 √20 is not in its simplest form because a perfect square
is a factor of 20 (4)
𝑛 When surds are divided they can be split
𝑛 𝑎 √𝑎 16 √16 4
√𝑏 = 𝑛 • √ = =
√𝑏 25 √25 5 apart and rooted individually
√3 3 1
• = √18 = √6
√18

𝑎√𝑐 ± 𝑏√𝑐 = (𝑎 ± 𝑏)√𝑐 • 5√6 − 2√6 = 3√6 If the root is of the same number or variable surds
are treated the same as like terms.
It can be added or subtracted, and the root
remains the same.
3
𝑚𝑛
𝑚 𝑛
•
6
√64 =
3×2 3
√64 = √√64 =√8 = 2 When taking the root of a root, it is the same as,
√𝑥 = √ √𝑥 2 1 taking the single root to the product of both roots.
• √ 3√52 = 6√52 = 56 = 53
Using the laws and definitions of surds
As with exponential problems, you will lose marks if you do not show your workings, including writing composite numbers as powers of prime numbers or as
prime factors ( only use your calculator to check your answers.)
Worked examples (Multiplication and Division of surds)
Simplify the following expressions without using a calculator. Show all your calculations.
2 𝟑
√𝟏𝟔 √12×√24
1. (√4) = 2 𝟑 = 3. =
√𝟐 √8 Work through each worked example and apply
3
4. Determine, without the use of the calculator, which is greater √7 or √15 the multiplication and division law of surds
Solutions 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛 𝑎
𝑛
√𝑎
𝟑 √𝑎. √𝑏 = √𝑎. 𝑏 and √𝑏 = 𝑛
√𝑏
2 √𝟏𝟔 𝟑 𝟏𝟔 3
1. (√4) = √4 × √4 = √16=4 2. 𝟑 = √ 𝟐 = √8 = 2
√𝟐
1 3
√12×√24 6
3. 4. √7 = 72 = 76 = √73 = 𝟔√𝟑𝟒𝟑
√8
1 2
√4×√3×√4×√6 3 6 𝟔
= √15 = 153 = 156 = √152 = √𝟐𝟐𝟓
√4×√2 6
2√3×2√6 6 6
Express all as √
= 2√2
√343 > √225
6
∴ √7 > √15
4√18
= 2√2
= 2√9 = 2 × 3 = 6
CAN YOU simplify the following expressions?
√50+√18 3 6
1. 2√3. 5√3 2. (3√2 + 3)(3√2 − 3) 3. 4. √21. √60. √35 5. Arrange in descending order √5; √3; √26
√32
Answers
6 3
1. 30 2. 9 3. 2 4. 210 5. √3; √26; √5

Worked example ( Addition and subtraction of surds)

√𝟒𝟖−√𝟑
1. 4√2 + √3 − √2 − 2√3 2. 3. 2√8 − 4√32 + 3√50
√𝟐𝟕
Solutions
1. 4√2 + √3 − √2 − 2√3 [Remember only like surds can be added or subtracted … Think of it as 4𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 𝑦]]
= 3√2 − √3
 √𝟒𝟖−√𝟑 CAN YOU simplify the following surds?
2.
√𝟐𝟕
√𝟏𝟔 ×𝟑−√𝟑 1. √7 + 2√7- 6√7
= [ write each number as a product of a square number and another number]
√𝟗×𝟑 √75+√48
𝟒√ 𝟑−√𝟑
2.
√12
= 𝟑√𝟑 [use the surd laws to separate the square roots]
3. √50(√18 + √32)
3√3
= =1
3√3 Answers
1
3. 2√8 − 4√32 + 3√50 1. −3√7 2. 4 2 3. 70
= 2 × 2√2 − 4 × 4√2 + 3 × 5√2 simplify surds using prime factors
= 4√2 − 16√2 + 15√2 Add and subtract like terms Note to remember
= 3√2
√8 = √4 × 2 = 2√2
https://youtu.be/w3PGLLT5nr4
√32 = √16 × 2 = 4√2
F) Rationalising the denominator
The principal of rationalising the denominator is to remove the surds(irrational numbers)in the denominator. √50 = √25 × 2 = 5√2
It is generally accepted that an answer is not completely simplified if there is a root/ surd in the denominator.
𝑎 𝑎 √𝑏 𝑎 √𝑏
= × = To rationalize the denominator, the aim is to multiply by a version of 1 that will remove the surd from the denominator.
√𝑏 √𝑏 √𝑏 𝑏
Remember √𝑎 × √𝑎 = 𝑎
Worked Example CAN YOU?
5 3
1. 11 2. 2+√2
Rationalise the denominator of:
√
5 √11 3 2−√2 6
= 11 × 11 = 2+√2
× 2− 1.
√ √ √2 √3
5√11 3(2− √2) 5
= 11 = 2. 4− 3
(2+√2)(2−√2 ) √
6−3√2 20+5√3
= Answers: 1. 2 √3 2.
2 13
F) Surd Equations
Solving equations involving surds:
2
• To solve this type of equation we use the basic premise that (√𝑥) = 𝑥
• To solve equations with surds, rearrange the equation so that the term containing the surd (or root sign: √ ) is on its own on one side of the equation,
otherwise the middle term, when squaring, will again contain a surd.
• The validity of all possible solutions MUST be checked by substitution into the original equation.
• From gr 10 content we know that :if x ≥ 0 then the expression √𝑥 will be a real number.
• For example √16; √5; − √6 are real numbers since the numbers under the square root signs are positive.
• However, if 𝑥 <0 , then the expression √𝑥 will be a non-real number
• For example , √−1; √−4; √−16 are non- real numbers since the numbers under the square root signs are negative.
• If a particular solution does not satisfy the original equation, it is not a solution.

Worked examples Work through the worked example until you are confident that you understand and know
1. Solve for x in √2𝑥 − 4 + 𝑥 = 6 why and how to do each calculation.
Solution CAN YOU?
√2𝑥 − 4 + 𝑥 = 6 1. Solve for x in √𝑥 + 2 − 𝑥 = 0
√𝟐𝒙 − 𝟒 = 6 − 𝑥 [Isolate the surd term] 2. Solve for x in √3𝑥 + 4 = 2𝑥 + 3
2
(√2𝑥 − 4) = (6 − 𝑥)2 [square both sides of the equation] Answers:
5
2𝑥 − 4 = 36 − 12𝑥 + 𝑥 2 1. 𝑥 = − 4 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1
0 = 36 + 4 − 12𝑥 − 2𝑥 + 𝑥 2 2. 𝑥 = −2
2
𝑥 − 14𝑥 + 40 = 0 [solve the equation]
(𝑥 − 10)(𝑥 − 4)=0
∴ 𝑥 = 10 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 4
 Note: The key to solving all equations with surds
is to isolate the surd then square both sides to
Check the answers for validity
remove the root sign. But by squaring both sides
If x=10 If 𝑥 = 4
of the equation, you may have introduced an
LHS √2(10) − 4 + 10 LHS √2(4) − 4 + 4 extra solution which might be invalid. Therefor,
you must check all the solutions obtained in the
√16 + 10 =√4 + 4 original equation.
=14 =6
≠6
∴ 𝐿𝐻𝑆 ≠ 𝑅𝐻𝑆 ∴ 𝐿𝐻𝑆 = 𝑅𝐻𝑆
The square root of a negative number is non- real (does not exist) and
neither can the square root of a number be negative
𝑥 = 10 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ∴ 𝑥 − 4 is the only solution

Consolidation
• Remember to revise the number systems as to ensure that you know all the different types of numbers.
• Exponents and Surds is part of Algebraic expressions which counts about 30% of the final Paper 1 examination
• A sound knowledge of exponents will assist you in Calculus in Grade 12.
• Surd equations need to be covered thoroughly – learners must test whether their solutions satisfy the original equation
• Practice by working out old question papers to get acquainted with the way question are asked in exams.

ACTIVITY Mind Action Series Via Africa Siyavula Classroom mathematics Platinum
Revision exercise Summary and questions End of chapter exercises Revision and consolidation Revision
pg 18 pg. 18 -19 Pg 16 and 17 Pg 22 Pg 20 - 21