NUMBER AND ALGEBRA

TOPIC 1
Indices
1.1 Overview
Numerous videos and interactivities are embedded
just where you need them, at the point of learning, in
your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. They will
help you to learn the content and concepts covered in
this topic.

1.1.1 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 con-
tinually multiplied by itself, becoming very large, or
perhaps very small.

1.1.2 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

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Watch this eLesson: The story of mathematics: Leibniz (eles-1840)

TOPIC 1 Indices  1
1.2 Review of index laws
1.2.1 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.
am × an = am + n
Second Index Law: When terms with the same base are divided, the indices are subtracted.
am ÷ an = am − n

WORKED EXAMPLE 1 TI | CASIO

Simplify each of the following.

2x5y4
a m4n3p × m2n5p3 b 2 a 2 b 3 × 3 ab 4 c
10x2y3
THINK WRITE

a 1 Write the expression. a m4n3p × m2n5p3

  2 Multiply the terms with the same base   = m4 + 2n3 + 5p1 + 3
by adding the indices. Note: p = p1. = m6n8p4

b 1 Write the expression. b 2a2b3 × 3ab4

  2 Simplify by multiplying the   = 2 × 3 × a 2 + 1 × b3 + 4
coefficients, then multiply the terms = 6a3b7
with the same base by adding the
indices.
2x5y4
c 1 Write the expression. c
10x2y3

    1x5 − 2y4 − 3
2 Simplify by dividing both of the =
coefficients by the same factor, then 5
x3y
divide terms with the same base by =
5
subtracting the indices.

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

a0 = 1, a ≠ 0

2  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

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 that any   =1
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 index of 0,   = −4 × 1
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 denom-
inator by the index outside the brackets.

(b)
a m am
= m
b

WORKED EXAMPLE 3 TI | CASIO

Simplify each of the following.

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

THINK WRITE

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

  2 Apply the Fourth Index Law and simplify.   = 21 × 3 × n4 × 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

( y4 )
c 1 Write the expression. c 2x3 4

    21 × 4 × x3 × 4
2 Apply the Sixth Index Law and simplify. =
y4 × 4
12
16x
=
y16

TOPIC 1 Indices  3
 d 1 Write the expression. d (−4) 3
  2 Write in expanded form.   = −4 × −4 × −4
  3 Simplify, taking careful note of the negative   = −6 4
sign.

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

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Exercise 1.2 Review of index laws

Individual pathways

VV PRACTISE VV CONSOLIDATE VV MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
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

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Fluency
1. WE1a, b Simplify each of the following.
a. a3 × a4 b. a2 × a3 × a c. b × b5 × b2
d. ab2 × a3b5 e. m2n6 × m3n7 f. a2b5c × a3b2c2
1
g. mnp × m5n3p4 h. 2a × 3ab i. 4a2b3 × 5a2b × 2b5
1
j. 3m3 × 2mn2 × 6m4n5 k. 4x2 × 2xy3 × 6x3y3 l. 2x3y2 × 4x × 12x4y4
2. WE1c Simplify each of the following.
a. a4 ÷ a3 b. a7 ÷ a2 c. b6 ÷ b3
4a7 21b6 48m8
d. e. f.
3a3 7b2 12m3
m7n3 2x4y3
g. h. i. 6x7y ÷ 8x4
m4n2 4x4y
20m5n3p4 14x3y4z2
j. 7ab5c4 ÷ ab2c4 k. l.
16m3n3p2 28x2y2z2
3. WE2 Simplify each of the following.
a. a0 b. (2b) 0 c. (3m2) 0
d. 3x0 e. 4b0 f. −3 × (2n) 0

(4)
g. 4a0 − a 0 h. 5y0 − 12 i. 5x0 − (5xy2) 0

4  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 4. WE3 Simplify each of the following.

(3)
m2 4
a. (a2) 3 b. (2a5) 4 c.

( 3 )
2n4 2
d. e. (a2b) 3 f. (3a3b2) 2

( 4 ) ( b3 )
3m2n 3 a2 2
g. (2m3n5) 4 h. i.

( n2 ) (2y5) (5b3)
5m3 4 7x 3 3a 4
j. k. l.

m. (−3) 5 n. (−7) 2 o. (−2) 5

5.  MC   a. 2m10n5 is the simplified form of:

( n3 )
6m10n4 2m5 2
a. m5n3 × 2m4n2 b. c. (2m5n2) 2 d. 2n(m5) 2 × n4 e.
3n
0
b. The value of 4 − (5a) is:
a. −1 b. 9 c. 1 d. 3 e. 5
3 4 2 3
6.  MC   a. 4a b × b × 5a b simplifies to:
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
p4q4 q4 p4q4 q4
a. 2q4 b. c. d. e.
2 2 24 24
7a5b3 7b3a2
d. ÷ simplifies to:
5a6b2 5b5a4
49a3b 25a3b 25ab3
a. b. c. a3b d. ab3 e.
25 49 49
Understanding
7. Evaluate each of the following.
a. 23 × 22 × 2 b. 2 × 32 × 22 c. (52) 2

(5)
35 × 46 3 3
d. e. (23 × 5) 2 f.
34 × 44
44 × 56
g. h. (33 × 24) 0 i. 4(52 × 35) 0
43 × 55
8. Simplify each of the following.
a. (xy) 3z b. ab × (pq) 0 c. ma × nb × (mn) 0

( b3 )
a2 x n3m2
d. e. p q f. (am + n) p
nm
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.

TOPIC 1 Indices  5
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
2
3a
5a
3a2 + 5a
3a2 × 5a
b. Enter the values of 3a2 + 5a and 3a2 × 5a in the table.
c. What do you think will happen as a becomes very large?
2
13. Find algebraically the exact value of x if 4x+4 = 2x . Justify your answer.
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 b. 22x − 5(2x) = −4
(7x) 2
16. For the following:
a. calculate the correct answer
b. identify the error in the solution.

( a2b2 ) ( a2b3 ) ( b2 ) ( b3 )
a2b3c 3 a3b2c2 2 b3c 3 ab2c2 2
× = ×

(1) ( b )
3
bc ac2 2
= ×

( b )
3 6
abc
=

( 1 )
ac3 6
=
= a6c18
Reflection
Why are these laws called index laws?

CHALLENGE 1.1
It was estimated that there were 4 × 1010 locusts in the largest swarm ever seen. If each
locust can consume 2 grams of grain in a day, how long would it take
the swarm to consume 1 tonne of grain?

6 Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

1.3 Negative indices
1.3.1 Negative indices
a3
•• Consider the expression . This expression can be simplified in two different ways.
a5
a3 a×a×a
1. Written in expanded form: =
a 5 a×a×a×a×a
1
=
a×a
1
=
a2
3
2. Using the Second Index Law: a = a3−5
a5
= a−2
1
So, a−2 = .
a2
0
•• In general, 1 = a (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 p­ ronumerals
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
    2n2
2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write the =
expression with positive indices. m4
4
c 1 Write the expression and rewrite the fraction, c = 4 ÷ a−3
−3
using a division sign. a
  2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write the   1
=4÷
expression with positive indices. a3
    a3
3 To divide the fraction, change fraction =4×
division into multiplication. 1
= 4a3

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

TOPIC 1 Indices  7
 WORKED EXAMPLE 5 TI | CASIO

Simplify each of the following, expressing the answers with positive indices.

( n−2 )
2x4y2 2m3 −2
a a2b–3 × a–5b b c
3xy5
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
2x4y2
b 1 Write the expression. b
3xy5
  2 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms   2x4−1y2−5
with the same base by subtracting the indices. =
3
3 −3
2x y
=
3
  3 Express the answer with positive indices.   2x3
=
3y3

( n−2 )
2m3 −2
c 1 Write the expression. c

  2 Apply the Sixth Index Law. Multiply the   2−2m−6

=
indices of both the numerator and denominator by n4
the index outside the brackets.
  3 Express all terms with positive indices.   1
=
2 m6n4
2

  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
1
2 Apply the Seventh Index Law to write 3−3 with a positive =6×
index. 33

3 Multiply the numerator of the fraction by the whole 6

=
number. 33

8  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 4 Evaluate the denominator. 6
=
27
5 Cancel by dividing both the numerator and 2
=
denominator by the highest common factor (3). 9

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

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Exercise 1.3 Negative indices 

Individual pathways

 PRACTISE  CONSOLIDATE  MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
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, 9–18
8a–c, 9, 11a, 12 8b–e, 9, 11a–b, 12, 13, 15, 18

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to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Fluency
1. WE4 Express each of the following with positive indices.
a. x−5 b. y−4 c. 2a−9
d. 45a−3 e. 3x2y−3 f. 2−2m−3n−4
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

(3q3) (2b−3) (3b−2)

−3
2p2 a−4 2 6a2 −3
m. n. o.

3. WE6 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.

a. 2−3 b. 6−2 c. 3−4
d. 3−2 × 23 e. 4−3 × 22 f. 5 × 6−2

TOPIC 1 Indices  9
 g.
6 4 × 3−3 i. 13 × 5−2 × 34
h.
2−3 2−3
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.
a. 8 b. 18 c. 32 1
d. 64
5. Complete each statement by writing the correct index.
1
a. 125 = 5 … b. 16 = 4… c. 17 = 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
a. (23 ) b. (54 ) c. (3 12 ) d. (15 )

7. Write the following expressions with positive indices.

(b) ( b3 ) (b−3) (n−2)

a −1 a2 −1 a−2 −1 m3 −1
a. b. c. d.

8. Evaluate each of the following, using a calculator.

a. 3−6 b. 12−4 c. 7−5
−8 −7
d. (12 ) e. (34 )
f. (0.04)−5

9.  MC   a.  x−5 is the same as:

1 1
a. −x5 b. −5x c. 5x d. e.
1 x5 x−5
b. is the same as:
a−4
1
a. 4a b. −4a c. a4 d. e. −a4
a4
c. 18 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
3−1m−4
b. When simplified, 3a−2b−7 ÷ 34a−4b6 is equal to:

4 9b 9a2 4a2 4a2

a. b. c. d. e.
6 13
ab 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

10  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 ( by )
2ax 3 8b9
d. If is equal to , then x and y (in that order) are:
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)
px+1 −4 p8(x+1) p2
c. d. × ×
2b
xa(b+1)
×x (p2x) 4 (p12x) 0

(22r × 16)
2r × 8r
13. Write in the form 2ar+b.

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. a5 ÷ a7 = a2 d. 2c−4 =
2c4
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) −3
a. (2n) n × (2n) 3 × 4 = 1 b. =1
81

Reflection
Are there any index laws from Section 1.2 that do not apply to negative indices?

1.4 Fractional indices

1.4.1 Fractional indices
•• Terms with fractional indices can be written as surds, using the following laws:
1
n
1.  an = √a
m
n
2.  a n = √am
n
= (√a) m
•• To understand how these laws are formed, consider the following numerical examples.
1 1
We know    42 × 42 = 41
√4 × √4 = √16
and that      
=4

TOPIC 1 Indices  11
 1
It follows, then, that 42 = √4.
1 1 1
Similarly, we know that 83 × 83 × 83 = 81
and that √3 8 × √3 8 × √3 8 = √3 512
=8
1
It follows, then, that 83 = √3 8.
1
n
This observation can be generalised to an = √a.
m m×1 m 1×m
n n
Now consider: a n = a n
 or a = a
1 1
= (am) n = (an) 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
n n
b 1 Rewrite the number using a = (√a) m. b 162 = (√16) 3
= 43
  2 Simplify and evaluate the result.     = 64

WORKED EXAMPLE 8 TI | CASIO

Simplify each of the following. 1

( y34 )
2 2
1 2 1
m5 × m5 x3
a b (a2b3) 6 c

THINK WRITE
1 2
a 1 Write the expression. a m5 × m5
  2 Apply the First Index Law to multiply terms with   3
the same base by adding the indices. = m5
1
b 1 Write the expression. b (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

    1 1
3 Simplify. = a3 b 2

12  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 c 1 Write the expression. c

( y34 )
2 1
2
x3

  2 Use the Sixth Index Law to multiply the index in both   1

the numerator and denominator by the index outside the x3

= 3
brackets. y8

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Complete this digital doc: SkillSHEET: Addition of fractions (doc-5176)

Complete this digital doc: SkillSHEET: Subtraction of fractions (doc-5177)

Complete this digital doc: SkillSHEET: Multiplication of fractions (doc-5178)

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Complete this digital doc: WorkSHEET: Index laws (doc-5180)

Exercise 1.4 Fractional indices

Individual pathways

 PRACTISE  CONSOLIDATE  MASTER

Questions: Questions: Questions:
1–5, 6a, d, g, 7a, d, 8a, d, g, 9a, 1–5, 6a, b, e, h, i, 7a, b, c, f, 8a, b, 1–5, 6c, f, i, 7c, f, 8c, f, i, 9b, c, e, f,
d, 10a, d, g, 11a, d, g, 12, 13, d, e, g, h, 9a, b, d, e, 10b, e, h, 11b, 10c, f, i, 11c, f, i, 12–19
14a, d, g, 15, 16 e, h, 12, 13, 14b, e, h, 15, 16, 17

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go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
Fluency
1. WE7 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.
1 1 1 1 1 1
a. 162 b. 252 c. 812 d. 83 e. 643 f. 814
2. Write the following in surd form.
1 1 2 5
a. 152 b. m4 c. 75 d. 72
3 1
e. w8 f. w1.25 g. 533 h. a0.3
3. Write the following in index form.
a. √t b. √4 57 c. √6 611 d. √7 x6
6 7 5 10 10
e. √x f. √w g. √w5 h. √11n
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 j. 3612 k. 72 l. 123

TOPIC 1 Indices  13
 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) (4) (5)

3 3 2
2 2 3 4 4 3
g. h. i.

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
d. x4 × x5 e. 5m3 × 2m5 f. 12b7 × 4b7
2 3 3 1
g. −4y2 × y9 h. 25a8 × 0.05a4 i. 5x3 × x2
7. Simplify each of the following.
2 3 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 4
a. a3b4 × a3b4 b. x5y9 × x5y3 c. 2ab3 × 3a5b5
3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 3
d. 6m7 × 13m4n5 e. x3y2z3 × x6y3z2 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. x3y2 ÷ x3y5 b. a9b3 ÷ a5b5 c. m8n7 ÷ 3n8
3 3 7 1
4 2 1
5a4b5 p8 q4
d. 10x5y ÷ 5x3y4 e. f.
1 1 2 1
20a5b4 7p3q6
10. Simplify each of the following.
3 1
3 5 2 4 1
4
a. (2 ) 3
b. (5 ) c. (75) 6
3 1
1 4 8 1 3
d. (a3) 10 9
e. (m ) 2
f. (2b )
14 n b
3 15 m p a c
7 n
g. 4(p ) h. (x ) i. (3mb)
11. WE8b, c Simplify each of the following.
1
1 1 2 3 3 7
a. (a2b3) b. (a4b) 4 c. (x5y8) 2
1 1 3 2

(b)
1 3 3 3 1 2 2 2 3
a4
d. (3a3b5c4) e. 5(x2y3z5) f.

2 2 1

( ) ( ) ( 2y34 )
4 3 3 2
7
m5 b5 4x
g. h. i.
7 4
n8 c9

14  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 2
12. MC   a.  y5 is equal to:
1 1 1
2 5
a. (y2) 5 b. y × c. (y5) 2 d. 2√y e. (y5) 2
5
2
b. k3 is not equal to:
1 1 1
3 3
a. (k3) 2 b. √k2 c. (k2) 3 d. (√k) 2 e. (k2) 3
1
c. is equal to:
5 2
√g
2 −2 5 −5 1
a. g5 b. g 5 c. g2 d. g 2 e. 2g5
3 m 1
13. MC   a.  If (a4) 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

( p)
n
a
b. When simplified, n is equal to:
b p mp
m m2
p n n p np
a a a a a
a. n b. n c. n d. m e. nm
b
bm bm b m
bp
2

14. Simplify each of the following.

a. √a8 b. √3 b9 c. √4 m16
d. √16x4 e. √3 8y9 f. √4 16x8y12
g. √3 27m9n15 h. √5 32p5q10 i. √3 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.

( g)
1
L 2
T = 2π
a. Calculate the time it takes a 1 m 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
16. Using the index laws, show that √5 32a5b10 = 2ab2 .
17. To rationalise a fraction means to remove all non-rational numbers from the
a2
denominator of the fraction. Rationalise by multiplying the numerator and
3 + √b3
denominator by 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

TOPIC 1 Indices  15
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:

( ab2 ) ( a2 b )
4
√a13a2√b3 √a3b 2 b2 3
× b3 × ×
√a1b √
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 answer? Consider only
integers.
Reflection
Why is it easier to perform operations with fractional indices than with expressions using surds?

1.5 Combining index laws

1.5.1 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 number and   8a4−3b4−2
=
pronumeral to simplify. 3
  4 Write the answer.   8ab 2
=
3
3n−2 × 9n+1
b 1 Write the expression. b
81n−1
    3n−2 × (32) n+1
2 Rewrite each term in the expression so that it has a =
base of 3. (34) n−1
    3n−2 × 32n+2
3 Apply the Fourth Index Law to expand the brackets. =
34n−4
    33n
4 Apply the First and Second Index Laws to simplify =
and write your answer. 34n−4
1
=
n−4
3

16  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

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

WORKED EXAMPLE 11 TI | CASIO

Simplify each of the following.

(5a2b3) 2 a2b5 8m3n −4 4m −2n −4
a × b ÷
a10 (a3b) 7 (6mn2) 3 6m −5n
THINK WRITE
(5a2b3) 2 a2b5
a 1 Write the expression. a ×
a10 (a3b) 7

TOPIC 1 Indices  17
   2 Remove the brackets in the numerator of the first   25a4b6 a2b5
= ×
fraction and in the denominator of the second fraction. a10 a21b7
  3 Multiply the numerators and then multiply the   25a6b11
=
denominators of the fractions. (Simplify across.) a31b7
  4 Divide terms with the same base by subtracting the   = 25a−25b4
indices. (Simplify down.)
    25b4
5 Express the answer with positive indices. =
a25
3 −4 −2 −4
b 1 Write the expression. b 8m n ÷ 4m n
(6mn2) 3 6m−5n
  2 Remove the brackets.   8m3n−4 4m−2n−4
= ÷
216m3n6 6m−5n
  3 Change the division to multiplication.   8m3n−4 6m−5n
= ×
216m3n6 4m−2n−4
  4 Multiply the numerators and then multiply the   48m−2n−3
=
denominators. (Simplify across.) 864mn2
  5 Cancel common factors and divide pronumerals with m−3n−5
=
the same base. (Simplify down.) 18
  6 Simplify and express the answer with positive indices.   1
=
18m3n5

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

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Exercise 1.5 Combining index laws

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Questions: Questions: Questions:
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9, 10, 11a, d, 12 11b–e, 12 11c–f, 12–15

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18  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

Fluency
1. WE10a Simplify each of the following.
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 2 1 −3 1 −3 −1
g. 6x2y3 × (4x4y5) 2 h. (16m3n4) 4 × (m2n4) 3 i. 2(p3q3) 4 × 3(p4q 4) 3
1 2 −1 1 3 2
j. (8p5q3) 3 × (64p3q4) 3
2. WE10b Simplify each of the following.
5a2b3 4x5y6 (3m2n3) 3
a. b. c.
(2a3b) 3 (2xy3) 4 (2m5n5) 7

( 2x7y4 ) ( 2g4h )
4x3y10 6
3a3b−5 3g2h5 3
d. e. f.
(2a7b4) −3

(5b−3c−4)
1 1 1 1
(5p6q3) 2 3b2c3 −4 (x2y4z2) 2
h.
g. i.
1 1 2 2 −1 1 −3
25(p2q4) 3 (x3y 4z3) 2

3. WE10c Simplify each of the following.

2a2b × 3a3b4 4m6n3 × 12mn5 10m6n5 × 2m2n3
a. b. c.
4a3b5 6m7n6 12m4n × 5m2n3
6x3y2 × 4x6y (6x3y2) 4 5x2y3 × 2xy5
d. e. f.
9xy5 × 2x3y6 9x5y2 × 4xy7 10x3y4 × x4y2
3 1 4 3
a3b2 × 2(ab5) 3 (p6q2) −3 × 3pq 6x2y2 × x5y5
g. h. i.
6(a2b3) 3 × a4b 2p−4q−2 × (5pq4) −2 1 1 1 1
2(x2y) 5 × 3x2y5
4. WE11a Simplify each of the following.
a3b2 2a6b (2a6) 2 4ab6 (m4n3) 2 (m3n3) 3
a. × b. × c. ×
5a4b7 a9b3 10a7b3 6a3 (m6n) 4 (2mn) 2

( 3mn5 ) (3x3y5) (2y10)

2m3n2 3 6m2n4 2xy2 4 x3y9 2 4x−5y−3 3x5y6
d. × e. × f. ×
4m3n10 (x2y2) −2 2−2x−7y
1 1 1 1 2 1 1

( 3p5 )
5p6q−5 5p6q4 −2
2a2b3 (4a4b) 2 3x3y5 4x2
g. × h. × i. ×
3q−4 1 1 1 1 1 3
6a3b2 b4 a 9x3y4 x4y
5. WE11b Simplify each of the following.

3a6b7 (2a6b4) ( b6 ) (2b5)

5a2b3 a9b4 7a2b4 3ab 3 4a9 3 3a7 4
a. ÷ b. ÷ c. ÷
6a7b5 3ab6

( 2xy5 ) 2m−6n−5 ( m−1n )

5x2y6 (4x6y) 3 x5y−3 −4 4x6y−10 3m3n4 2m4n6 −2
d. ÷ e. ÷ f. ÷
(2x4y5) 2 10xy3 (3x−2y2) −3
1 1 1

( )
1 3
6m3n4 4b3c3
1 −1 −3
g. 4m2n4 ÷ h. 2 ÷ (2b3c 5) 2
3 1 1
8m4n2 6c5b

TOPIC 1 Indices  19
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.)

(2)
x 2 2x
(2x) −3 × ÷
(23) 4
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.
3
9. MC Which of the following is not the same as (4xy) 2?
3 3
a. 8x2y2 b. (√4xy) 3 c. √64x3y3
1
1 1
(2x3y3) 2
d. e. 4xy2 × (2xy2) 2
(√32) −1
x2y xy
10. MC The expression ÷ is equal to:
2 3
(2xy ) 16x0
2 2x2 2 1
a. b. c. 2x2y6 d. e.
x2y6 b6 xy6 128xy5
11. Simplify the following. 1

(n−3)
1
3 2 3 −2 31 2 453
a. √m n ÷ √mn b. (g h) × c.
3 3
94 × 152

(3−3b−3) ( a4b−2 )
3 −1 −3 a3b−2 −2 3−3a−2b 2 3 1
d. 22 × 4 4 × 16 4
e. ÷ f. (√5 d2) 2 × (√3 d5) 5

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. 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.
Problem solving
72x+1 − 72x−1 − 48
14. Simplify .
36 × 72x − 252
z4 + z−4 − 3
15. Simplify .
1
z2 + z−2 − 52
Reflection
Do index laws need to be performed in a certain order?

20  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 CHALLENGE 1.2
Find an expression for x in terms of y, given that (√ay) x =ax × ay.

1.6 Review
1.6.1 Review questions
Fluency
1. 3d10e4 is the simplified form of:

( e2 )
6d10e5 d5 2
a. d 6e2 × 3d4e3 b. c. (3d5e2) 2 d. 3e (d5) 2 × e3 e. 3
2e2
2. 8m3n × n4 × 2m2n3 simplifies to:
a. 10m5n8 b. 16m5n7 c. 16m5n8 d. 10m5n7 e. 17m5n8
3. 8x3 ÷ 4x−3 is equal to:
2
a. 2 b. 2x0 c. 2x6 d. 2x−1 e.
x9
12x8 × 2x7
4. simplifies to:
6x9 × x5
a. 4x5 b. 8x c. 4x d. 8x5 e. 4x29
(a2b3) 5
5. The expression is equal to:
(2a2b) 2
a6b13 a3b6 a6b13 a3b6
a. b. 2a6b13 c. d. e.
4 2 2 4
(p2q) 4 (p5q2) 2
6. ÷ can be simplified to:
(2p5q2) 3 2pq5
1 22 1 1
a. b. c. d. e. 22p16q
4p16q p16q 4p8 2p16q
−3 3
7. 16 4÷ 92 can be simplified to:
1 8 3 1
a. 2 b. c. d. 3 e.
2 −3
216 27 8 2
( )
2l 9 m−1

8. can be simplified to:

8(16lm )
2
1 −2

8m7 2m7 4m7 16m7 m7

a. b. c. d. e.
11 7 8 5 7
l3 l3 l3 l3 2l3
10 5

√
9. 5 32i 7 j11k2 can be simplified to:
2 1 2 10 5 2 1 2
2 1 2 50 25
32i7j11k5 32i 7 j11k2 2i7j11k5
a. b. 2i7j11k5 c. d. 2i 7 j11k10 e.
5 5 5

TOPIC 1 Indices  21
10. Simplify each of the following.

( 6 ) (21q3)
3 26a4b6c5 20m5n2 3 14p7 4
a. 5x3 × 3x5y4 × x2y6 b. c. d.
5 12a3b3c3
11. Evaluate each of the following.

(3)
2a 0 (4b) 0
a. 5a0 − + 12 b. −(3b) 0 −
2
12. Simplify each of the following and express your answer with positive indices.
a. 2a−5b2 × 4a−6b−4 b. 4x−5y−3 ÷ 20x12y−5 c. (2m−3n2) −4
13. Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.

(2) (2)
1 −3 9 2 5
a. b. 2 × (3) −3 × c. 4−3 × −5
8−2
14. Simplify each of the following.
3 1 1
4 1 1 3 3 2 1
c. ( )2
43x4y 9 4a3
a. 2a5b2 × ×
3a2b4 5a4b5
b.
16xy b3
15. Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator. Show all working.
3 1
2 2 1
164 × 814
a. b. (1253 − 273) 2
1
6 × 16 2
16. Simplify:
a. √3 a9 + √4 16a8b2 − 3(√5 a) 15 b. √5 32x5y10 + √3 64x3y6
17. Simplify each of the following.
1

( ) ( )
1 1

(3x−6y3)
−
(5a−2b) −3 × 4a6b−2 2x4y−5 4xy−2 −3
2m3n4 3 4m3n−2 2
a. b. × c. ÷
2a2b3 × 5−2a−3b−6 3y6x−2 1 2
5m2n 5−3
18. Simplify each of the following and then evaluate.
1 1
1 3 1
−2 (32 × 63) 6
a. (3 × 56) 2 × 32 ×5 6
+ (3 × 5−2) 0 b. (6 × 3 ) −2 −1
÷
−62 × (3−3) 0
Problem solving
19. If m = 2, determine the value of:
6a3m × 2b2m × (3ab) −m
1
(4b) m × (9a4m) 2
20. Answer the following and explain your reasoning.
3
a. What is the tens digit of 33 ?
b. What is the ones digit of 6309?
c. What is the ones digit of 81007?
21. For the work shown below:
a. calculate the correct answer
b. identify where the student has made mistakes.

( 5a2b ) ( c )
2
3a3b5c3 2ab 3a6b10c6 2ab
÷ = ÷
10a4b2 c
6 10 6
3a b c c
= ×
4 2
10a b 2ab
6 10 7
3a b c
=
20a5b3
3ab7c7
=
20
22  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A
22. A friend is trying to calculate the volume of water in a reservoir amid fears there may be a severe
water shortage. She comes up with the following expression:
r4u2 ru × d2
W= × , where r is the amount of rain, d is how dry the area is, u is the usage of water by
3 3 4
2
r d √u
2
dr u
the townsfolk, and W is the volume of water in kL.
a. Help her simplify the expression by simplifying each pronumeral one at a time.
b. Does the final expression contain any potential surds?
c. Express the fraction with a rational denominator.
d. List the requirements for the possible values of r, u and d to give a rational answer.
e. Calculate the volume of water in the reservoir when r = 4, d = 60 and u = 9. Write your answer in:
i. kL ii. L iii. mL.
f. Does a high value for d mean the area is dry? Explain using working.
p2
23. The speed of a toy plane can be modelled by the equation S = , where
2 + √w3
w = wind resistance and
p = battery power (from 0 (empty) to 10 (full)).
a. Rationalise the denominator of the expression.
b. Using your knowledge of perfect squares, estimate the speed of a toy plane with its battery half full
and a wind resistance of 2. Check your answer with a calculator.
c. How does the speed of the toy plane change with increasing wind resistance? Explain providing
supportive calculations.

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Language
It is important to learn and be able to use correct mathematical language in order to communicate
effectively. Create a summary of the topic using the key terms below. You can present your summary
in writing or using a concept map, a poster or technology.
base index pronumeral
constant index law simplify
denominator negative substitute
evaluate numerator surd
exponent positive
expression power indices

TOPIC 1 Indices  23
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Investigation | Rich Task

Digital world: ‘A bit of this and a byte of that’
‘The digital world of today is run by ones and zeros.’ What does this mean?
Data is represented on a modern digital computer using a base two (binary) system, that is, using the
two digits 1 and 0, thought of as ‘on’ and ‘off’. The smallest unit of data that is transferred on a com-
puter is a bit (an abbreviation of binary digit). Computer and storage mechanisms need to hold much
larger values than a bit. Units such as bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and
terabytes (TB) are based on the conversion of 8 bits to 1 byte. Your text messages, graphics, music and
photos are files stored in sequences of bytes, each byte being 8 bits (8b = 1B).
You may have heard the terms ‘meg’ and ‘gig’. In computer terminology, these refer to gigabytes
and megabytes. In the digital world, the prefixes kilo-, mega- and giga- express powers of two, where
kilo- means 210, mega- means (210)2 and so on. Thus the number of  bytes in a computer’s memory
builds in powers of 2, for example 1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes (210 bytes). (This differs from the decimal
system, in which the prefixes kilo-, mega- and giga- express powers of ten, with kilo- meaning 103,
mega- meaning (103)2 and so on.)
A byte (8 bits) is used to represent a single character. For example the letter ‘A’ is represented in
binary as 01000001. A book of a thousand pages in print can be stored in millions of bits, but more
commonly it would be described as being stored in megabytes with one byte per character.
1. Complete the table below to show the difference in value between the binary and decimal systems.

Unit Symbol Power of 2 and value in bytes Power of 10 and value in bytes
Byte B 20 = 1 100 = 1
Kilobyte KB 210 = 1024 103 = 1000
Megabyte 220 =  
Gigabyte      
Terabyte      

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’.

24  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 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
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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.

RESOURCES – ONLINE ONLY

Complete this digital doc: Code puzzle: What historical event took place in France in 1783? (doc-15917)

TOPIC 1 Indices 25
Answers
TOPIC 1 Indices
Exercise 1.2 Review of index laws
1. a. a7 b. a6 c. b8 d. a4b7 e. m5n13 f. a5b7c3
6 4 5 2 4 9 8 7 6 6
g. m n p h. 6a b i. 10a b j. 36m n k. 12x y l. 4x8y6
4
2. a. a b. a5 c. b3 d. a4 e. 3b4 f. 4m5
3
1 3 5 1
g. m3n h. y2 i. x3y j. 7b3 k. m2p2 l. xy2
2 4 4 2
3. a. 1 b. 1 c. 1 d. 3 e. 4 f. −3
g. 3 h. −7 i. 4
1 4
4. a. a6 b. 16a20 c. m8 d. n8 e. a6b3 f. 9a6b4
81 9
27 6 3 a4 625m12 343x3 81a4
g. 16m12n20 h. mn i. j. k. l.
64 b6 n8 8y15 625b12
m. −243 n. 49 o. −32
5. a. D b. D
6. a. C b. E c. B d. D
27
7. a. 64 b. 72 c. 625 d. 48 e. 1600 f.
125
g. 20 h. 1 i. 4
a2x
8. a. x 3yz
b. a b
c. manb d. e. n3−pm2−q f. amp + np
3 b3x
9. a =a × a × a
a2 = a × a
a3 × a2 = a × a × a × a × a
= a5, not a6
Explanations will vary.
10. They are equal when x = 2. Explanations will vary.
11. 3x0 = 3 and (3x) 0 = 1. Explanations will vary.
12. a, b

a 0 1 2 3
3a2 0 3 12 27

5a 0 5 10 15
3a2 + 5a 0 8 22 42
3a2 × 5a 0 15 120 405

c 3a2 × 5a will become much larger than 3a2 + 5a.

13. x = −2 or 4
14. 1 ≡ 1   2 ≡ 10   3 ≡ 11   4 ≡ 100   5 ≡ 101   6 ≡ 110
   7 ≡ 111   8 ≡ 1000   9 ≡ 1001 10 ≡ 1010
15. a. x = 4 b. x = 0, 2
16. a. a2bc7
b. The student made a mistake when multiplying the two brackets in line 3. Individual brackets should be expanded first.
Challenge 1.1
1.08 seconds

Exercise 1.3 Negative indices

1 1 2 4 3x2 1
1. a. b. c. d. e. f.
4 9 3
5
x y a 5a y3 4m3n4
6a3 2a4 7b3 2m3a2
g. h. a6 i. j. 2ab2 k. l.
bc5 3 2a4 3b4n5

26  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 1 6 3 4 2y 5y
2. a. b. c. d. e. f.
a2b3 x6y n8 a2b5 3x 6x3
3 4y12 1 1 4q8 3
g. h. i. j. k. l.
2 2 3 3
mn x 5
3m n 32a m 15 20
p14 a8b12
27q9 b6 1
m. n. o.
8p6 4a8 8a6b6
3. a. 18 1
b. 36 1
c. 81 d. 89 1
e. 16 5
f. 36
32
g. 48 h. i. 27
25
2
= 1 25 j. 4 k. 125 l. 34
27
4. a. 23 b. 2−3 c. 25 d. 2−6
5. a. 3 b. −2 c. −1 d. 3 e. −2 f. 0
g. 3 h. −3 i. −6 j. −2
6. a. 32 b. 45 c. 27 d. 5
b b3 a2 1
7. a. b. c. d.
a a 2
b3 m3n2
1 1
8. a. 729 b. c. 0.000 059 499 or 16 1807
20 736
d. 256 e. 162187
384
f. 9 765 625

9. a. D b. C c. B
10. a. B b. D c. C d. E
m2 n2 25
11. a. b. c.
n8 m a7b6
12. a. r6 − s6 b. m10 + 2m5n5 + n10 c. 1 d. p2
13. 22r − 4
14. 63m
15. x = 3
16. Answers will vary; check with your teacher.
17. x = 3, y = −1; 7
18. a. n = −1, −2 b. n = −1, 4

Exercise 1.4 Fractional indices

1. a. 4 b. 5 c. 9 d. 2 e. 4 f. 3
2. a. √15 b. √4 m c. √5 72 d. √75 e. √8 w3 f. √4 w5
10 3
g. √3 510 h. √a
1 7 11 6 7
3. a. t2 b. 54 c. 6 6 d. x7 e. x6 f. w2
1 n
x
g. w2 h. 11
4. a. 4 b. 16 c. 8 d. 16 e. 125 f. 9
1
g. h. 27 i. 1000 j. 216 k. √7 l. √3 12
9
5. a. 1.44 b. 2.24 c. 1.48 d. 1.26 e. 2.54 f. 0.66
g. 0.54 h. 0.81 i. 0.86
4 1 5 23 8 5
6. a. 45 b. 22 c. a6 d. x20 e. 10m15 f. 2b7
20 9 7
g. −4y 9 h. 0.02a8 i. 5x2
3 4 5 8 17 19 2 19 5 5 2 9
7. a. ab2 b. x5y9 c. 6a5b15 d. 2m28n5 e. x 6 y6z6 f. 8a5b8c
1 5 1 3 5 11
8. a. 36 b. 512 c. 122 d. a7 e. x4 f. m45
1 3 1 2 5 7
g. x20 h. n3 i. b20
2 3 4
5 7 7 4
1 3 11 2 3
1 11 7 1 5 1
9. a. x3y5 b. a45b15 c. m8n56 d. 2x15y4 e. a20b20 f. p24q12
3 4 7

TOPIC 1 Indices  27
 9 1 6 3 1 1 1
10. a. 220 b. 56 c. 75 d. a10 e. m6 f. 23b6
2 m b a
g. 4p5 h. x p i. 3c mc 1
1 1 3 6 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
a2
11. a. a4b6 b. a3b4 c. x5y4 d. 33a9b5c4 e. 5x4y3z5 f.
2
8 2 1 7 b3
m5 b5 22x2
g. h. i.
7 8 3
n4 c27 y8
12. a. E b. C c. B
13. a. E b. B
14. a. a4 b. b3 c. m4 d. 4x2 e. 2y3 f. 2x2y3
g. 3m3n5 h. 2pq2 i. 6a2b6
15. a. 2.007 s b. 20.07 s c. 4.98 swings
1
16. (25a5b10) 5
= 2ab2
2 3
a (3 − √b ) 4
17. ;
9 − b3 11
1 1 1
18. m5 − n5 + p5
1 13
19. a. a−4 × b 2
b.
No, because you can’t take the fourth root of a negative number.
a=1
c.

Exercise 1.5 Combining index laws

2n13 15b2
1. a. 54a10b9 b. 48a5b16 c. d. 500p8q18 e. 36a20b10 f.
9
m c26
7 11 15 15 7 5
6
g. 12x8y15 h. 8m 4 n 4 i. j. 8p45q18
7
p12
5 x 27 64y36 27h12
2. a. b. c. d. e. 24a24b7 f.
8a7 4y6 128m29n26 x24 8g6
35 1 5 1 3
625
g. p 3 q2 h. i. x3y8z2
81b20c28
3a2 m2n4 4x5 36x6 y2
3. a. b. 8n2 c. d. e. f.
2 3 3y8 y x4
5 17 7
b7 75q
g. h. i. x10y10
3a4 2p11
2 4a3b3 n9 4m5 4
4. a. b. c. d. e. f. 48x11y6
5a b 4 7 15 4m9 9n 15
81x2y14
1 1
3p4 2b12 4x12
g. h. i.
17 21
5q9
3a24 3y20
5 56a11b6 1024b2 25 4y36
5. a. b. c. d. e. f. 6m19n19
2a 13 81 81a 128x y 23 4
27x16
11 11
16m12n 4b 2
g. h.
3 1 7
32c30
6. a. 125
8
b. 1
7. 1
8. a. 5y−1 b. y = 4
9. E
10. A

28  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A

 or √
1 −7
6m
11. a. m6n 6
3 n7 −7 −7 1 a6
b. g−6h3n2 c. 3 3 ×5 6 d. 2−2 or e. a6b−8 or
4 b8
14
15 14
f. d15 or √d
12. a. 80 koalas b. During the 6th year
13. a. 79% b. 56% c. 31%
4
14.
21
15. z2 + z−2 + √5

Challenge 1.2
2y
x=
y−z

1.6 Review
1. D
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. A
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. B
13ab3c2 1000 m15n6 16p28
10. a. 9x10y10 b. c. d.
6 27 81q12
3
11. a. 16 b. −
2
8 y2 m12
12. a. b. c.
a11b2 5x17 16n8
3
13. a. 8 b. c. 0
2 1
41 33
4 2a6
14. a. 30a20b20 b. c.
1 2 3
x20y9 b2
15. a. 1 b. 4
1
16. a. −2a3 + 2a2b 2 b. 6xy2
2a13 9y4 4
17. a. b. c. 23m
5b2 32x15
1
1 8. a. 46 b. −
1 18
19. 36
20. a. 8 b. 6 c. 2

9ab7c7
21. a.
50
b. The student has made two mistakes when squaring the left-hand bracket in line 1 : 32 = 9, 52 = 25.

TOPIC 1 Indices  29
 √r Yes, √r, √u3
b. √ru3
22. a. c.
d√u3 du3
d.
r should be a perfect square, u should be a perfect cube and d should be a rational number.
i. 0.0012346 kL ii. 1.2346 L iii. 1234.6 mL
e. A high value for d causes the expression to be smaller, as d only appears on the denominator of the fraction. This means
that when d is high there is less water in the reservoir and the area is dry.
p2 (2 − √w3)
23. a.
4 − w3
b. Answers will vary; approximately 5.
c. speed decreases as wind resistance increases.
Investigation — Rich task
1.
Unit Symbol Power of 2 and value in bytes Power of 10 and value in bytes
Byte B 20 = 1 100 = 1
Kilobyte KB 210 = 1024 103 = 1000
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

2. Approximately 1.1 GB
3. 3993.6 MB
4. 1248 photos
5. Discuss with your teacher.
6. Discuss with your teacher. The discussion will depend on the latest information from the internet.

30  Jacaranda Maths Quest 10 + 10A