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P1 Topic 2: Algebra
The laws of indices backmore
Remember that:
a1 = a
a2 = a x a
a3 = a x a x a
a4 = a x a x a x a
and so on...
... and a0 = 1
In the displays below, when you click the = sign, one step of the process will be revealed. Study it and the comments in the status bar at the bottom, then click the next = sign to reveal the complete process gradually step by step.
There are three basic rules of indices. Can you see what they are?

Multiplying

Dividing

Powers
Summary
The three rules of indices are:
  • an × am = an+m
  • an ÷ am = an-m
  • (an) m = anm
Make sure you know and understand these three rules. They will turn up again and again throughout your course.
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