Indices - Quick Reference Guide

Index Form Simplify multiplication to base with a power

Example: 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 34

Expended Form Reverse index form

Example: 𝑐 4 = 𝑐 × 𝑐 × 𝑐 × 𝑐

Index Law 1 Multiplying terms with the same base, add the powers

Example: 𝑦 3 × 𝑦 5 = 𝑦 3+5 = 𝑦 8

Index Law 2 Dividing terms with the same base, subtract the powers

Example: 87 ÷ 82 = 87−2 = 85

Index Law 3 A term in index form raised to another power, multiply the powers

Example: (54 )2 = 54×2 = 58

Index Law 4 Multiplying two or more numbers raised to a power, raise each
number in the brackets to that power and simplify

Example: (3𝑏)3 = 33 𝑏3 = 27𝑏3

Index Law 5 Dividing two or more numbers raised to a power, raise each
number in the brackets to that power and simplify

𝑥 𝑥3 𝑥3
Example: ( )3 = ( 3 ) =
7 7 343

Zero Power A term raised to the power of 0 = 1

Example: 𝑎0 = 1

Negative Indices A term raised to negative power is equal to the reciprocal

(opposite), flip it over and change the symbol of the power

4−2 1
Example: 4−2 = →
1 42