1

n n
This observation can be generalised to a = √a.
m 1 m 1
n n n n× m
Now consider: a = am × or a =a
1 1
n nm
= (am) = (a )
n m n
= √a = (√a) m
m
n n n
• Eighth Index Law: a = √am = (√a) m

FS
WORKED EXAMPLE 7

O
Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.
1 3

O
a 92 b 162
THINK WRITE

PR
1
a 1 Rewrite the number using the Eighth Index Law. a 92 = √9
2 Evaluate the result. =3

E
m 3
n n
b 1 Rewrite the number using a = (√a) m. b 16 = (√16) 3
2

G
= 43
2 Simplify and evaluate the result. = 64
PA
WORKED EXAMPLE 8
D

Simplify each of the following. 1

( y4 )
2 2
1 2 1 3
x
TE

a m5 × m5 b (a2b3) 6 c
3
EC

THINK WRITE
1 2
a 1 Write the expression. a m5 × m5
3
R

2 Apply the First Index Law to multiply terms with the same base =m 5
by adding the indices.
R

1
b 1 Write the expression. b (a2b3) 6
O

2 Use the Fourth Index Law to multiply each index inside the 2 3
=ab 6 6
C

brackets by the index outside the brackets.

1 1
3 Simplify. = a3b2
N

c 1 Write the expression. c 1

U

(y4 )
2 2
3
x
3

1
2 Use the Sixth Index Law to multiply the index in both 3
x
the numerator and denominator by the index outside =
3
the brackets. 8
y

40 Maths Quest 10 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

c02Indices.indd Page 40 04/06/17 6:35 PM

 ( 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
11. Simplify the following, expressing your answers 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 the following, expanding any expressions in brackets.
a. (r3 + s3) (r3 − s3) b. (m5 + n5)2

(px−1)

FS
(x ) × x
a+1 b a+b px+1 −4 p8(x+1) p2
c. d. × ×
xa(b+1) × x2b (p2x)4 (p12x)0

(22r × 16)
2r × 8r

O
13. Write in the form 2ar+b.

O
14. Write 2−m × 3−m × 62m × 32m × 22m as a power of 6.
15. Solve for x if 4x − 4x−1 = 48.

PR
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
16. Explain why each of these statements is false. Illustrate each answer by substituting a value for the
pronumeral.
1

E
a. 5x0 = 1 b. 9x5 ÷ 3x5 = 3x c. a5 ÷ a7 = a2 d. 2c−4 =
4
17. Solve for x and y if 5x−y = 625 and 32x × 3y = 243. 2c

G
35x
Hence, evaluate .
7−2y × 5−3y
PA
18. Solve for n. Verify your answers.
(3n)n × (3n)−1
a. (2n)n × (2n)3 × 4 = 1 b. =1
81
19. Are there any index laws from Section 2.2 that do not apply to negative indices?
D

2.4 Fractional indices

TE

[Stage 5.3]
2.4.1 Fractional indices
EC

• Terms with fractional indices can be written as surds, using the following laws:
1
n n
1. a = √a
R

m
n n
2. a = √am
R

n
= (√a) m
• To understand how these laws are formed, consider the following numerical examples.
O

1 1
We know 4 × 4 = 41
2 2
C

and that √4 × √4 = √16

N

=4
U

1
It follows, then, that 42 = √4.
1 1 1
Similarly, we know that 8 × 8 × 8 = 81
3 3 3

and that √3 8 × √3 8 × √3 8 = √3 512

=8
1
It follows, then, that 83 = √3 8.

TOPIC 2 Indices 39

c02Indices.indd Page 39 04/06/17 6:35 PM

 DISCUSSION
Why is finding the square root of an expression the same as raising the expression to the power of a half?

RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Fractional indices (int-6107)

FS
eLesson: Fractional indices (int-1950)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET: Addition of fractions (doc-5176)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET: Subtraction of fractions (doc-5177)

O
Digital doc: SkillSHEET: Multiplication of fractions (doc-5178)
Digital doc: SkillSHEET: Writing roots as fractional indices (doc-5179)

O
Digital doc: WorkSHEET: Fractional indices (doc-5180)

PR
Exercise 2.4 Fractional indices

E
Individual pathways

! PRACTISE ! CONSOLIDATE
G ! MASTER
PA
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, 1–5, 6c, f, i, 7c, f, 8c, f, i, 9b, c, e,
d, 10a, d, g, 11a, d, g, 12, 13, b, d, e, g, h, 9a, b, d, e, 10b, e, h, f, 10c, f, i, 11c, f, i, 12–20
14a, d, g, 15, 16 11b, e, h, 12, 13, 14b, e, h, 15,
D

16, 17
TE

! ! ! Individual pathway interactivity: int-4564 ONLINE ONLY

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
EC

Understanding and fluency

1. WE7 Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator.
R

1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 3 3 4
a. 16 b. 25 c. 81 d. 8 e. 64 f. 81
R

2. Write the following in surd form.

1 1 2 5 3
O

a. 152 b. m4 c. 75 d. 72 e. w8 f. w1.25
1
C

g. 533 h. a0.3
N

3. Write the following in index form.

a. √t b. √4 57 c. √6 611 d. √7 x6 e. √6 x7 f. √5 w10
U

x
g. √5 w10 h. √11n
4. Without using a calculator, find the exact value of each of the following.
2 4 3 4 3 2
3 3 5 5 2 3
a. 8 b. 8 c. 32 d. 32 e. 25 f. 27
−2 3 6 1 1 1
3 4 2 12 2
g. 27 h. 81 i. 10 j. 36 k. 7 l. 123

TOPIC 2 Indices 41

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 5. Using a calculator, evaluate each of the following. Give answers correct to 2 decimal places.
1 1 1 1 3 4
a. 33 b. 52 c. 75 d. 89 e. 128 f. (0.6)5
3 3 2

(3) (4) (5)

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

6. WE8a Simplify each of the following.

3 1 1 3 1 1 3 2 1 1 3 2
a. 45 × 45 b. 28 × 28 c. a2 × a3 d. x4 × x5 e. 5m3 × 2m5 f. 12b7 × 4b7

FS
2 3 3 1
g. −4y2 × y9 h. 25a8 × 0.05a4 i. 5x3 × x2
7. Simplify each of the following.

O
2 3 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 3 4
a. a3b4 × a3b4 b. x5y9 × x5y3 c. 2ab3 × 3a5b5

O
3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 3
d. 6m7 × 13m4n5 e. x3y2z3 × x6y3z2 f. 2a5b8c4 × 4b4c4

PR
8. Simplify each of the following. 4
1 1 2 1 3 6 3 3 1
m5
a. 3 ÷ 3
2 3
b. 5 ÷ 5
3 4
c. 122 ÷ 12 2
d. a ÷ a
7 7
e. x ÷ x
2 4
f.
5
3 3
4 7n2 m9

E
5
2x 25b
g. h. 4 i.
3 1
21n3

G
4x 5 20b4
9. Simplify each of the following.
PA
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 4 5 8 4
5a b pq
d. 10x y ÷ 5x y
5 3 4
e. f.
D

1 1 2 1
5 4
20a b 7p3q 6
TE

10. Simplify each of the following.

3 3 2 1 1 1 4 3 1 1
a. (24) 5 b. (53) 4 c. (75) 6 d. (a3) 10 e. (m9) 8 f. (2b2) 3
EC

3 14 m n a b
n p c
g. 4(p7) 15 h. (x ) i. (3mb)
11. WE8b, c Simplify each of the following.
R

3 2

(b)
1 1 1 3 3 7 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 1
2 3 2 4 a4 3
a. (a b ) b. (a4b) c. (x5y8) 2 3 5 4 3
d. (3a b c ) 2 3 5 2
e. 5(x y z ) f.
R

(n ) (c )
2 1

(2y4 )
4 3
O

2 2
5
m 5 b 4x7
g. 7
h. 4
i. 3
C

8 9
N

2
12. MC a. y5 is equal to:
U

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

42 Maths Quest 10 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

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 1
c. 5
is equal to:
√g2
2 −2 5 −5 1
A. g5 B. g 5 C. g2 D. g 2 E. 2g5
3 m 1
n
13. MC a. If (a4) 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

( b p)
m m
n

FS
a
b. When simplified, n is equal to:

O
m p mp m2
p n n np
a a a ap a
A. n B. n C. n D. m E. nm

O
m m m b 2
b b b bp
14. Simplify each of the following.

PR
a. √a8 b. √3 b9 c. √4 m16 d. √16x4 e. √3 8y9
f. √4 16x8y12 g. √3 27m9n15 h. √5 32p5q 10 i. √3 216a6b18
15. The relationship between the length of a pendulum (L)in a grandfather

E
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
should be taken as 9.8.

( g)
1

G
PA
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.
D

c. How many swings will be completed after 10 seconds?

TE

Communicating, reasoning and problem solving

16. Using the index laws, show that √5 32a5b10 = 2ab2.
17. To rationalise a fraction means to remove all non-rational numbers from the
EC

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
R

working.
2 1 1 2 2
R

m5 − 2m5n5 + n5 − p5
18. Simplify .
O

1 1 1
m −n −p
5 5 5
C

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:
N

( ab2 ) (a2√b)
√4 a13a2√b3 √a3b 2 b2 3
× b3 × ×
U

√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.
20. Why is it easier to perform operations with fractional indices than with expressions using surds?

TOPIC 2 Indices 43

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 2.5 Combining index laws [Stage 5.3]
2.5.1 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.

FS
DISCUSSION
Think about what you have learned from the interactivity above. Pair with a classmate to discuss what you have

O
learned. Share your perspectives with your class by adding a comment.

O
WORKED EXAMPLE 9

PR
Simplify each of the following.
(2a)4b4 3n− 2 × 9n+1
a b
6a3b2 81n− 1

E
G
THINK WRITE
a 1 Write the expression. a (2a) 4b4
PA
6a3b2
  2 Apply the Fourth Index Law to remove the bracket.   16a4b4
=
6a3b2
D

  3 Apply the Second Index Law for each number and pronumeral to   8a4 − 3b4 − 2
=
TE

simplify. 3
  4 Write the answer.   8ab2
=
3
EC

b 1 Write the expression. b 3n − 2 × 9n + 1

81n − 1
R

  2 Rewrite each term in the expression so that it has a base of 3.   3n − 2 × (32) n + 1

=
(34) n − 1
R

  3 Apply the Fourth Index Law to expand the brackets.   3n − 2 × 32n + 2

O

=
34n − 4
C

  4 Apply the First and Second Index Laws to simplify and write your   33n
=
answer. 34n − 4
N

1
=
U

3n − 4

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

Simplify each of the following.

a (2a3b) 4 × 4a2b3 7xy3 2m5n × 3m7n4
b c
(3x3y2) 2 7m3n3 × mn2

44 Maths Quest 10 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

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 THINK WRITE
a 1 Write the expression. a (2a3b) 4 × 4a2b3
  2 Apply the Fourth Index Law. Multiply each index inside the   = 24a12b4 × 4a2b3
brackets by the index outside the brackets.
  3 Evaluate the number.   = 16a12b4 × 4a2b3
  4 Multiply coefficients and multiply pronumerals. Apply the First   = 16 × 4 × a12+2b4+3
= 64a14b7

FS
Index Law to multiply terms with the same base by adding the
indices.
b 1 Write the expression. b 7xy3

O
(3x3y2) 2

O
  2 Apply the Fourth Index Law in the denominator. Multiply each   7xy3
index inside the brackets by the index outside the brackets. =

PR
9x6y4
  3 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms with the same base by   7x−5y−1
subtracting the indices. =
9
1
  4 Use a−m = m to express the answer with positive indices.   7

E
a =
9x5y
c 1 Write the expression.
G c 2m5n × 3m7n4
PA
7m3n3 × mn2

  2 Simplify each numerator and denominator by multiplying   6m12n5

=
coefficients and then terms with the same base. 7m4n5
D

  3 Apply the Second Index Law. Divide terms with the same base by   6m8n0
=
TE

subtracting the indices. 7

  4 Simplify the numerator using a0 = 1.   6m8 × 1
=
7
EC

6m8
=
7
R

WORKED EXAMPLE 11
R

Simplify each of the following.

O

(5a2b3) 2 a2b5 8m3n−4 4m−2n−4

a × b ÷
a10 (a3b) 7 (6mn2) 3 6m−5n
C

THINK WRITE
N

a 1 Write the expression. a (5a2b3) 2 a2b5

U

×
a10 (a3b) 7
  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 denomi-   25a6b11
=
nators of the fractions. (Simplify across.) a31b7

TOPIC 2 Indices 45

c02Indices.indd Page 45 04/06/17 6:36 PM

   4 Divide terms with the same base by subtracting the   = 25a−25b4
indices. (Simplify down.)
25b4
  5 Express the answer with positive indices.   =
a25
b 1 Write the expression. b 8m3n−4 4m−2n−4
÷
(6mn2) 3 6m−5n

  2 Remove the brackets.   8m3n−4 4m−2n−4

FS
= ÷
216m3n6 6m−5n

  3 Change the division to multiplication.   8m3n−4 6m−5n

O
= ×
216m3n6 4m−2n−4

O
  4 Multiply the numerators and then multiply the denomi-   48m−2n−3
=

PR
nators. (Simplify across.) 864mn2
  5 Cancel common factors and divide pronumerals with the   m−3n−5
=
same base. (Simplify down.) 18
1

E
  6 Simplify and express the answer with positive indices.   =
18m3n5

G
• Note that the whole numbers in part b of Worked example 11 could be cancelled in step 3.
PA
RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

Interactivity: Combining index laws (int-6108)

D

Digital doc: WorkSHEET: Combining index laws (doc-5181)

TE

Exercise 2.5 Combining index laws

EC

Individual pathways

! PRACTISE ! CONSOLIDATE ! MASTER

R

Questions: Questions: Questions:

1a–d, 2a–d, 3a–d, 4a–d, 5a–d, 6, 1c–h, 2c–f, 3c–g, 4b–f, 5c–f, 6–10, 1f–j, 2e–i, 3f–i, 4d–f, 5e–h, 6–10,
R

7, 9, 10, 11a, d, 12 11b–e, 12 11c–f, 12–17

O

! ! ! Individual pathway interactivity: int-4637 ONLINE ONLY

C

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
question, go to your learnON title at www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary slightly.
N

Understanding and fluency

U

1. WE10a Simplify each of the following.

a. (3a2b2) 3 × 2a4b3 b. (4ab5) 2 × 3a3b6 c. 2m3n−5 × (m2n−3) −6
d. (2pq 3) 2 × (5p2q 4) 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
−4 −4 −3
g. 6x2y3 × (4x4y5) 2 h. (16m3n4) 4 × (m2n4) 3 i. 2(p3q 3) × 3(p4q )
1 2 1 1 3 2
−
5 3 3
j. (8p q ) × (64p q )
3 4 3

46 Maths Quest 10 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

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 2. WE10b Simplify each of the following.

( 2x7y4 )
5a2b3 4x5y6 (3m2n3) 3 4x3y10 6
3a3b−5
a. b. c. d. e.
(2a3b) 3 (2xy3) 4 (2m5n5) 7 (2a7b4) −3
1 1 1 1

( 2g 4h ) (5b−3c−4)
3g 2h 5 3 (5p6q 3) 2 3b2c3 −4 (x3y4z2) 2
f. g. h. i.
1 1 2 2 1 1 3
2 4 3 − −2
25(p q ) (x3y 4z3)
3. WE10c Simplify each of the following.

FS
2a2b × 3a3b4 4m6n3 × 12mn5 10m6n5 × 2m2n3
a. b. c.
4a3b5 6m7n6 12m4n × 5m2n3
6x3y2 × 4x6y (6x3y2) 4 5x2y3 × 2xy5
d. e. f.

O
9xy5 × 2x3y6 9x5y2 × 4xy7 10x3y4 × x4y2

O
3 1 4 3
a3b2 × 2(ab5) 3 (p6q 2) −3 × 3pq 6x2y2 × x5y5
g. h. i.

PR
6(a2b3) 3 × a4b 2p−4q −2 × (5pq 4) −2 1 1 1 1
2(x2y) 5 × 3x2y5
4. WE11a Simplify each of the following.
ab 3 2
2a6b (2a6) 2 4ab6 (m4n3) 2 (m3n3) 3
a. × b. × c. ×

E
5a4b7 a9b3 10a7b3 6a3 (m6n) 4 (2mn) 2

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

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

( 3p5 )
5p6q −5 5p6q 4 −2
2a b2 3 (4a4b) 2 3x3y5 4x 2
g. × h. × i. ×
3q −4 1 1
3 2
1
4
1 1
3 4
3
4
6a b ba 9x y xy
D

5. WE11b Simplify each of the following.

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

5a2b3 a9b4 7a2b4 3ab 3 4a9 3 3a7 4
TE

a. ÷ b. ÷ c. ÷
6a7b5 3ab6

( 2xy5 ) 2m−6n−5 ( m−1n )

5x2y6 (4x6y) 3 x5y−3 −4 4x6y−10 3m3n4 2m4n6 −2
÷ ÷ ÷
EC

d. e. f.
(2x4y5) 2 10xy3 (3x−2y2) −3
1 1 1 1

( )
1 3 2 1 3
6m3n4 4b3c3 −5 −2
g. 4m n ÷
2 4
÷ 3
R

h. (2b c )
3 1 1
4 2 5
8m n 6c b
R

6. Evaluate each of the following.

O

(26 × 39)0
a. (52 × 2)0 × (5−3 × 20)5 ÷ (56 × 2−1)−3 b. (23 × 33)−2 ÷
26 × (3−2)−3
C

7. Evaluate the following for x = 8. (Hint: Simplify first.)

N

8. (2x)−3 × ( ) ÷
x 2 2x
2 (23) 4
U

a2y × 9by × (5ab)y

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?
1
3 3 1 1
(2x3y3) 2
A. 8x y 2 2
B. (√4xy) 3 C. √64x3y3 D. E. 4xy2 × (2xy2) 2
(√32) −1

TOPIC 2 Indices 47

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 x2y xy
10. MC The expression ÷ is equal to:
(2xy2) 3 16x0
2 2x2 2 1
A. B. C. 2x2y6 D. E.
x y6
2 b6 xy6 128xy5
11. Simplify the following.
1 1

(n−3)
2
1 453
a. √3 m2n ÷ √mn3 b. (g −2h) 3 × c.
3 3

FS
9 × 15
4 2

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

O
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving

O
12. In a controlled breeding program at Melbourne Zoo, the
population (P) of koalas at t years is modelled by

PR
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

E
takes 6 years for the mass of uranium to halve, find the

G
percentage remaining after:
a. 2 years b. 5 years c. 10 years.
PA
Give your answers to the nearest whole number.
72x + 1 − 72x − 1 − 48
14. Simplify .
36 × 72x − 252
D

z4 + z−4 − 3
15. Simplify .
1
TE

−2
z + z −5
2 2

16. Do index laws need to be performed in a certain order?

17. Find an expression for x in terms of y, given that
EC

(√ay) x = ax × ay.
R
R
O
C
N
U

48 Maths Quest 10 Stage 5 NSW Australian curriculum

c02Indices.indd Page 48 04/06/17 6:36 PM

 2.6 Review
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?

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Data is represented on a modern digital com-
puter using a base two (binary) system, that is,
using the two digits 1 and 0, thought of as ‘on’

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and ‘off’. The smallest unit of data that is trans-
ferred on a computer is a bit (an abbreviation of

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binary digit). Computer and storage mecha-
nisms need to hold much larger values than a

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bit. Units such as bytes, kilobytes (KB), mega-
bytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB)
are based on the conversion of 8 bits to 1 byte.
Your text messages, graphics, music and photos

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are files stored in sequences of bytes, each byte

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being 8 bits (8b = 1B).
You may have heard the terms ‘meg’ and ‘gig’. In computer terminology, these refer to gigabytes
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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,
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mega- meaning (103) 2 and so on.)

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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.
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1. Complete the table below to show the difference in value between the binary and decimal
systems.
Power of 2 and Power of 10 and
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Unit Symbol value in bytes value in bytes

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Byte B 20 = 1 100 = 1
Kilobyte KB 210 = 1024 103 = 1000
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Megabyte   220 =  
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Gigabyte      
Terabyte      
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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?

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 Many devices allow you to check the availability of
General Usage
storage. On one such device, the iPhone, available
storage is found by going to ‘General’ under the heading Storage
‘Settings’. 3.9 GB Available 9.5 GB Used
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 Photos & Camera 1.6 GB
can be added?

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Have you ever wondered about the capacity of our brain Radio 1.6 GB
to store information and the speed at which information is
transmitted inside it? Maps 1.2 GB

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5. Discuss how the storage and speed of our brains compares
to our current ability to send and store information in the My Movie 461 MB

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digital world. The capacity of the human brain is 10–100
terabytes. On average, 20 million billion bits of informa-

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tion are transmitted within the brain per second.
6. Investigate which country has the fastest internet speed and compare this to Australia.

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G
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RESOURCES — ONLINE ONLY

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Digital doc: Code puzzle: What historical event took place in France in 1783? (doc-0000)
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Digital doc: Summary (doc-13801)

Digital doc: Concept map (doc-13802)
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Interactivity: Word search: Topic 2 (int-2826)

Interactivity: Crossword: Topic 2 (int-2827)
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Interactivity: Sudoku: Topic 2 (int-3588)

Exercise 2.6 Review questions

To answer questions online and to receive immediate feedback and fully worked solutions for every
question, go to your learnON title at http://www.jacplus.com.au. Note: Question numbers may vary
slightly.

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 Understanding and 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

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E.
x9
12x8 × 2x7
4. simplifies to:
6x9 × x5

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A. 4x5 B. 8x C. 4x D. 8x5 E. 4x29

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2 3 5
(a b )
5. The expression is equal to:
(2a2b) 2

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a6b13 a3b6 a6b13 a3b6
A. B. 2a6b13 C. D. E.
4 2 2 4
(p2q ) 4 (p5q 2) 2
6. ÷ can be simplified to:

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(2p5q 2) 3 2pq 5

G
1 22 1 1
A. B. C. D. E. 22p16q
4p16q p16q 4p8 2p16q
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−3 3
7. 16 4
÷ 92 can be simplified to:
1 8 3 1
A. 2 B. C. D. 3 E.
216 27 8 2
D

2
(2l9m−1) −3
8. can be simplified to:
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8(16 lm−2)
2
1

8m7 2m7 4m7 16m7 m7

A. B. C. D. E.
EC

11 7 8 5 7
l3 l3 l3 l3 2l3

√32i
5 10 5
9. can be simplified to:
R

7 j11 k2

2 1 2 10 5 2 1 2
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2 1 2 50 25
32i7j11k5 7 11 5 32i 7 j11k2 2i7j11k5
A. B. 2i j k C. D. 2i 7 j11k10 E.
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5 5 5
10. Simplify each of the following.
C

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

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 14. Simplify each of the following.
3
1
3 4 1 1
4xy
( b3 )
4 1 1 3 3 2
9 4a3 2
a. 2a b × 3a b × 5a b
5 2 2 4 4 5
b. c.
16xy
15. Evaluate each of the following without using a calculator. Show all working.
3 1
2 2 1
16 × 81
4 4
a. b. (1253 − 273) 2
1
6 × 16
2

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16. Simplify the following.
a. √3 a9 + √4 16a8b2-3(√5 a) 15 b. √5 32x5y10 + √3 64x3y6
17. Simplify the following.

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1

(3x−6y3)
(5a−2b)−3 × 4a6b−2 2x4y−5 4xy−2 1 −1

( 5m2n ) ( 5−3 )
−3
2m3n4 4m3n−2

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a. b. × c. 3
÷ 2
2a2b3 × 5−2a−3b−6 3y6x−2 1 2

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18. Simplify each of the following and then evaluate.
1 1
1 3 −1 (32 × 63) 6
a. (3 × 56)2 × 3 × 5−2 + (36 ×
2
5 2) 0 b. (6 × 3−2) −1 ÷
−62 × (3−3) 0

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G
Communicating, reasoning and problem solving
6a3m × 2b2m × (3ab)−m
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19. If m = 2, determine the value of .
1
× (4b)m (9a4m) 2
20. Answer the following and explain your reasoning.
3
a. What is the tens digit of 33 ?
D

b. What is the ones digit of 6309?

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c. What is the ones digit of 81007?

21. For the work shown below:
a. calculate the correct answer
EC

b. identify where the student has made mistakes.

( 5a2b ) ( c )
3a3b5c3 2 2ab 3a6b10c6 2ab
÷ = ÷
10a4b2 c
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6b10c6
3a c
= ×
4 2 2ab
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10a b
6b10c7
3a
=
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20a5b3
3ab7c7
=
C

20
22. A friend is trying to calculate the volume of water in a reservoir amid fears there may be a severe
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water shortage. She comes up with the following expression:

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r4u 2 ru × d2
W= × ,
3 dr3u 4
r2d2√u
where r is the amount of rain, d is how dry the area is, u is the usage of water by 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?

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 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

FS
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

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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

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supportive calculations.

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 Answers
Topic 2 Indices
Exercise 2.2 Review of index laws
1. a. a7 b. a6 c. b8 d. a4b7 e. m5n13 f. a5b7c3
g. m6n4p5 h. 6a2b i. 10a4b9 j. 36m8n7 k. 12x6y6 l. 4x8y6
4 4
2. a. a b. a5 c. b3 d. 3
a e. 3b4 f. 4m5
1 2 3 3 5 2 2
g. m3n h. 2
y i. 4
xy j. 7b3 k. 4
mp l. 12xy2

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3. a. 1 b. 1 c. 1 d. 3 e. 4
f. −3 g. 3 h. −7 i. 4
1 8
4. a. a6 b. 16a20 c. m d. 49n8 e. a6b3

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81
27 6 3 a4 625m12
f. 9a6b4 g. 16m12n20 h. 64
mn i. j.
b6 n8

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343x3 81a4
k. l. m. −243 n. 49 o. −32
8y15 625b12

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5. a. D b. D
6. a. C b. E c. B d. D
7. a. 64 b. 72 c. 625 d. 48 e. 1600
27
f. g. 20 h. 1 i. 4

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125
a2x
8. a. x3yz b. ab c. manb d. e. n3−pm2−q f. amp + np

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b3x
9. a3 = a × a × a
a2 = a × a
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a × a2 = a × a × a × a × a
3

= a5, not a6
Explanations will vary.
10. They are equal when x = 2. Explanations will vary.
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11. 3x0 = 3 and (3x)0 = 1. Explanations will vary.

12. a, b
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a 0 1 2 3
3a2 0 3 12 27
5a 0 5 10 15
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3a + 5a
2 0 8 22 42
3a2 × 5a 0 15 120 405
c. 3a2 × 5a will become much larger than 3a2 + 5a.
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13. x = −2 or 4
14. 1 ≡ 1 2 ≡ 10 3 ≡ 11 4 ≡ 100 5 ≡ 101
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6 ≡ 110 7 ≡ 111 8 ≡ 1000 9 ≡ 1001 10 ≡ 1010

15. a. x = 4 b. x = 0, 2
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16. a. a2bc7
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b. The student made a mistake when multiplying the two brackets in line 3. Individual brackets should be expanded first.
17. Discuss with your teacher
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18. 1.08 seconds

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Exercise 2.3 Negative indices

1 1 2 4
1. a. b. 4 c. 9 d.
x5 y a 5a3
3x2 1 6a3 6
e. f. g. h. a
y3 4m3n4 bc5
2a4 7b3 2m3a2
i. 3 j. 2ab2 k. 4 l.
2a 3b4n5

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 1 6 3 4 2y
2. a. b. c. d. e.
a2b3 x6y n8 ab 2 5 3x
5y 3 4y12 1 1
f. g. h. i. j.
6x3 m2n2 x5 3m3n3 32a15m20
4q 8 3 27q 9 b6 1
k. l. m. n. o.
p14 a8b12 8p6 4a8 8a6b6
1 1 1 8 1 5
3. a. 8
b. 36
c. 81
d. 9
e. 16
f. 36
32 27 2 3
g. 48 h. i. = 1 25 j. 4 k. 125 l.

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27 25 4

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

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3 4 2
6. a. 2
b. 5
c. 7
d. 5

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b b3 a2 1
7. a. b. c. d.
a a2 b3 m3n2

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1 1
8. a. 729
b. 20 736
c. 0.000 059 499 or 16 1807
16 384
d. 256 e. 2187
f. 9 765 625
9. a. D b. C c. B
10. a. B b. D c. C d. E

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m2 n2 25
11. a. b. c.
m

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n8 a7b6
12. a. r6 − s6 b. m10 + 2m5n5 + n10
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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
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18. a. n = −1, −2 b. n = −1, 4

19. Discuss with your teacher
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Exercise 2.4 Fractional indices

1. a. 4 b. 5 c. 9 d. 2 e. 4 f. 3
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4 5 2
2. a. √15 b. √m c. √7 d. √7 5
10
e. √8 w3 f. √4 w5 g. √3 510 h. √a3
1 7 11 6
3. a. t27 b. 54 c. 6 16 d. x7 n
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x
e. x6 f. w2 g. w2 h. 11
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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
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9
5. a. 1.44 b. 2.24 c. 1.48 d. 1.26 e. 2.54 f. 0.66
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g. 0.54 h. 0.81 i. 0.86

4 1 5 23 8 5
6. a. 4 5
b. 2 2
c. a6 d. x20 e. 10m15 f. 2b7
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20 9 7
g. −4y 9 h. 0.02a8 i. 5x2
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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
3 2 7
g. 12x20 h. 13n3 i. 54b20
5 7 7 4 3 11 2 3 11 7 5 1
9. a. x3y5 b. a45b15 c. 13m8n56 d. 2x15y4 e. 14a20b20 f. 17p24q 12

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 9 1 6 3 1 1 1
10. a. 220 b. 56 c. 75 d. a10 e. m6 f. 23b6
2 m b a
p c c
g. 4p5 h. x i. 3 m
1
1 1 3 6 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 6 a2
11. a. a b b. a3b4 c. x y 5 4 3 9 5 4
d. 3 a b c 4 3 5
e. 5x y z f.
2
8 2 1 7
5 5 2 2 b3
m b 2x
g. h. i.
7 8 3
4 27
n c y8
12. a. E b. C c. B

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13. a. E b. B
14. a. a4 b. b3 c. m4 d. 4x2 e. 2y3 f. 2x2y3
g. 3m3n5 h. 2pq 2 i. 6a2b6

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15. a. 2.007 s b. 20.07 s c. 4.98 swings
1 1 1 1
a2 (3 − √b3) 4

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16. (25a5b10)5 = 2ab2 17. ; 18. m5 − n5 + p5
13 9 − b3 11
−1

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19. a. a 4
× b2
b. No, because you can’t take the fourth root of a negative number.
c. a = 1
20. Discuss with your teacher

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Exercise 2.5 Combining index laws

G
2n13 15b2
1. a. 54a10b9 b. 48a5b16 c. d. 500p8q 18 e. 36a20b10 f.
m9 c26
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7 11 15 15 7 5
8 15 4 4 6 45 18
g. 12x y h. 8m n i. j. 8p q
7
12
p
5 x 27 64y36 27h 12
2. a. b. c. d. e. 24a24b7 f.
8a7 4y6 128m29n26 x24 8g 6
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35 5 1 3
1 625
g. p 3 q h. i. x3y8z2
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2 20 28
81b c
3a2 m2n4 4x5 36x6
3. a. b. 8n2 c. d. e.
2 3 3y8 y
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17 7
y2 b7 75q 5
f. g. h. i. x10y10
x4 3a4 2p11
2 4a3b3 n9 4m5 4
4. a. b. c. d. e.
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5a b 4 7 15 4m9 9n15 81x2y14

1 1
3p4 2b 12
4x12
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f. 48x11y6 g. h. i.
5q 9 17 21
3a 24
3y20
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5 56a11b6 1024b2 25 4y36

5. a. b. c. d. e.
2a13 81 81a 128x23y4 27x16
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11 11
16m12n 4b 2
f. 6m19n19 g. h.
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3 1 7
32c30
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125
6. a. 8
b. 1
7. 1
8. a. 5y-1 b. y = 4
9. E
10. A
1 −7 m 3 −7 −7 14
or √
a6
6
b. g −6h 3n2 d. 2−2 or 14 e. a6b−8 or
15
11. a. m6n 6
c. 3 3
×5 6
f. d15 or √d14
n7 b8

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 12. a. 80 koalas b. During the 6th year
13. a. 79% b. 56% c. 31%
4
14.
21
15. z2 + z−2 + √5
16. Discuss with your teacher.
2y
17. x =
y−z

Investigation | Rich task

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1.
Unit Symbol Power of 2 and value in bytes Power of 10 and value in bytes
Byte B 20 = 1 100 = 1

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Kilobyte KB 210 = 1024 103 = 1000

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Megabyte MB 220 = 1 048 576 106 = 1 000 000
Gigabyte GB 230 = 1 073 741 824 109 = 1 000 000 000

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Terabyte TB 240 = 1 099 511 627 776 1012 = 1 000 000 000 000

2. Approximately 1.1 GB
3. 3993.6 MB

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4. 1248 photos

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5. Discuss with your teacher.
6. Discuss with your teacher. The discussion will depend on the latest information from the internet.
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Exercise 2.6 Review questions
1. D 2. C 3. C 4. C 5. A
6. A 7. B 8. C 9. B
D

13ab3c2 1000 m15n6 16p28

10. a. 9x10y10 b. c. d.
6 27 81q 12
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3
11. a. 16 b. −
2
8 y2 m12
12. a. b. c.
a11b2 5x17 16n8
EC

3
13. a. 8 b. c. 0
2
1
41 33
20 20 4 2a6
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14. a. 30a b b. c.
1 2 3
20 9
x y b2
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15. a. 1 b. 4
1
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16. a. −2a3 + 2a b 2 2 b. 6xy2

4
2a13 9y4
C

17. a. b. c. 23m
5b2 32x15
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1
18. a. 46 b. −18
1
19. 36
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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.
√r √ru 3
22. a. b. Yes, √r, √u 3 c.
d√u 3 du 3
d. r should be a perfect square, u should be a perfect cube and d should be a rational number.

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 e. i. 0.001 234 6 kL ii. 1.2346 L iii. 1234.6 mL
f. 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.

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