A reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of any non-zero number. Any non-zero number multiplied by its reciprocal is equal to 1

An exponent is a number positioned above and to the right of a base value. It indicates repeated multiplication. An alternative word for this is index (plural indices).

The laws of indices - negative and zero exponents

Maths

In this unit, pupils formalised their understanding of the index laws. This understanding will allow them to perform calculations with values written in standard form more efficiently.

The conditions for standard form mean that pupils have explored how different powers of 10 can be written in the prior unit. In this unit, this understanding is generalised and the index laws formalised.

Arithmetic procedures: index laws

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^x)^{-8} = m^{24}$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^{-5})^5 = m^x$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^3)^x = m^{-3}$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$\frac{1}{4} = 2^x$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$\frac{1}{64} = 2^x$$

What is the value of $$a$$ for $$5^8 \times 5^a = 5^6$$?

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^x)^8 = m^{24}$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^5)^5 = m^x$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^3)^x = m^9$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$(m^8)^3 = m^x$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{2^x}$$

What is the value of $$x$$ for $$\frac{1}{64} = \frac{1}{2^x}$$

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The laws of indices - negative and zero exponents

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.