CHAPTER – 7

INDICES AND SURDS

INDICES Table of Rules/Laws of Indices
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If a number 'a' is added three times, then we write it as Rule/Law Example
3a. -------------------------------------------------------------------
Instead of adding, if we multiply 'a' three times, we write 1) am x an = am+n 52 x 57 = 59
it as a3. Here, 'a' is called the 'base' and 3 is called the
'power' or 'index' or 'exponent'. am 75
2) = am–n = 72 = 49
an 73
Similarly, 'a' can be raised to any exponent 'n' and
accordingly written as an. This is read as "a to the power 3) (am)n = amn (42)3 = 46
n" or "a raised to the power n."
1 1 1
4) a–m = 2–3 = = = 0.125
an = a × a × a × a × ..................... n times am 23 8
For example, 5) m
a = a1/m 3
64 = 641/3 = 4
23 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 and 34 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81

(ab)m = a ⋅ b (2 x 3)4 = 2 ⋅ 3
m m 4 4
While the examples taken are for positive integer values 6)
of n, the powers can also be negative integers or positive
n 2
or negative fractions or irrational numbers. In the a an 3 32 9
sections that follow, we will also see how to deal with 7)   = n   = 2 =
numbers where the powers are fractions or negative b b  
4 4 16
integers.
8) a0 = 1 (where a ≠ 0) 30 = 1
If a number raised to a certain power is inside brackets
and quantity is then raised to a power again, {i.e., a 9) a1 = a 41 = 4
number of the type (am)n - read as "a raised to the power -------------------------------------------------------------------
m whole raised to the power n" or "a raised to power m
whole to the power n"}, then the number inside the These rules/laws will help you in solving a number of
brackets is evaluated first and then this number is raised problems. In addition to the above, the student should
to the power which is outside the brackets. also remember the following rules:

Rule 1: When the bases of two equal numbers are

For example, to evaluate (23)2, we first find out the value
of the number inside the bracket (23) as 8 and now raise
this to the power 2. This gives 82 which is equal to 64.
Thus (23)2 is equal to 64.
If we have powers in the manner of "steps", then such a
number is evaluated by starting at the topmost of the
"steps" and coming down one "step" in each operation.
43
For example, 2 is evaluated by starting at the topmost
level '3'. Thus we first calculate 43 as equal to 64. Since
2 is raised to the power 43, we now have 264.
32
Similarly, 2 is equal to "2 raised to the power 32" or
"2 raised to the power 9" or 29 which is equal to 512.
There are certain basic rules/laws for dealing with
numbers having powers. These are called Laws of
Indices. The important ones are listed down and the
students have to know these rules and be able to apply
any of them in solving problems. Most of the problems in
indices will require one or more of these rules. These
rules should be internalised by the students to the extent
that after some practice, application of these rules
should come naturally and the student should not feel
that he is applying some specific formula.
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equal, then their powers also will be equal. (If the bases
are neither zero nor ± 1.)
For example : If 2n = 23, then it means n = 3
Rule 2: When the powers of two equal numbers are
equal (integer and not equal to zero), two cases arise:
i) if the power is an odd number, then the bases are
equal. For example, if a3 = 43 then a = 4.
ii) if the powers are even numbers, then the bases are
numerically equal but can have different signs. For
example, if a4 = 34 then a = + 3 or – 3.
The problems associated with indices are normally of
THREE types:
Simplification
Here, the problem involves terms with same or different
bases and powers which have to be simplified using the
rules discussed in the table above.
Solving for the value of an unknown
Here, the problem will have an equation where an
unknown (like x or y) will appear in the base or in the
power and using Rule 1 and Rule 2 discussed above,
values of unknown are to be determined.
Comparison of numbers
Here two or more quantities will be given – each being a
number raised to a certain power. These numbers have
to be compared in magnitude – either to find the largest
or smallest of the quantities or to arrange the given
quantities in ascending or descending order.
SM1001910/77
The following examples will make clear the different Sol: 6256 = (54)6 = 524
types of problems that you may be asked. 1257 = (53)7 = 521
2510 = (52)10 = 520
Examples 2510 < 1257 < 6256

7.01. Simplify : SURDS

−2 1
Any number of the form p/q, where p and q are integers
 729 3  1024  24  2
  ×  ÷  and q ≠ 0 is called a rational number. Any real number
 1728   9   324  which is not a rational number is an irrational number.
Amongst irrational numbers, of particular interest to us
−2 1 are SURDS. Amongst surds, we will specifically be
 729  3  1024  2  24  looking at 'quadratic surds' – surds of the type a
Sol:   ×  ÷ 
 1728   9   324  + b and a + b + c etc. where the terms involve only
−1 1 square roots and not any higher roots. We do not need
 92   2  2
 324 
=   ×  32  ×   to go very deep into the area of surds - what is required
 12 2   32   24  is a basic understanding of some of the operations on
   
surds.
144 32 324
= × × = 256 If there is a surd of the form (a + b ), then a surd of the
81 3 24
form ±(a – b ) is called the conjugate of the surd
2 3 4
 a 4 b3   b4 c3   c 4 a3 
7.02. Simplify :   ×  ×  (a + b ). The product of a surd and its conjugate will
 c2   a2   b2 
      always be a rational number.

2 3 4 RATIONALISATION OF A SURD
 a 4 b3   b4 c3   c 4 a3 
Sol:   ×  ×  1
 c2   a2   b2  When there is a surd of the form , it is difficult to
     
8 6 12 9 16 12
a+ b
a b b c c a
= 4
× 6
× 8
perform arithmetic operations on it. Hence, the
c a b denominator is converted into a rational number thereby
= a8 − 6 + 12 b6 + 12 − 8 c−4 + 9 + 16 = a14 b10 c21 facilitating ease of handling the surd. This process of
converting the denominator into a rational number
7.03. In the equation given below, solve for x without changing the value of the surd is called
x +1
rationalisation.
5 125
3   = To convert the denominator of a surd into a rational
7 343 number, multiply the denominator and the numerator
with the conjugate of the surd in the denominator so that
Sol: Given the denominator gets converted to a rational number
3
x +1  5  3  9 without changing the value of the surd. That is, if there is
5 5
  =    =   . a surd of the type a + b in the denominator, both the
7  7   7
numerator and the denominator have to be multiplied
By equating their indices,
x+1=9
with a surd of the form a – b or a surd of the form (–a
x = 8. + b ) to convert the denominator into a rational number.
x−2 x+2
7.04. If 625 = 25 , find x.
If there is a surd of the form (a + b + c ) in the
Sol: Given, (54)x − 2 = (52)(x + 2)
by equating their denominator, then the process of multiplying the
Indices, denominator with its conjugate surd has to be carried out
4 (x − 2) = 2 (x + 2) TWICE to rationalise the denominator.
x = 6.
SQUARE ROOT OF A SURD
4− x
 49  If there exists a square root of a surd of the type
7.05. If   = 49 2 x −6 , find x.
 2401  a + b , then it will be of the form x + y . We can
equate the square of x + y to a + b and thus solve
4− x
Sol:
 49 
  = 49 ( )
−1 4 − x
= 49 x−4 for x and y. Here, one point should be noted – when
there is an equation with rational and irrational terms, the
 2401 
rational part on the left hand side is equal to the rational
Given, 49x − 4 = 492x − 6
part on the right hand side and, the irrational part on the
x − 4 = 2x − 6
left hand side is equal to the irrational part on the right
x=2
hand side of the equation.
However, for the problems which are expected in the
7.06. Arrange the following in ascending order
entrance exams, there is no need of solving for the
6256, 1257 and 2510
square root in such an elaborate manner. We will look at
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finding the square root of the surd in a much simpler
1+ 6 + 7 1+ 6 + 7
manner. Here, first the given surd is written in the form of = =
(1 + 6 ) 2 − ( 7 ) 2 2 6
( x + y )² or ( x – y )². Then the square root of the
The rationalizing factor of 6 is 6
surd will be ( x + y ) or ( x – y ).
6 + 6 + 42
=
COMPARISON OF SURDS 12

Sometimes we will need to compare two or more surds

either to identify the largest/smallest one or to arrange 7.09. Find the value of 62 + 480 .
the given surds in ascending/descending order. The
surds given in such cases will be such that they will be
close to each other and hence we will not be able to Sol: Let 62 + 480 = a + b
identify the largest one by taking the approximate square Squaring both sides,
root of each of the terms. In such a case, the surds can
62 + 480 = a + b + 2 ab
both be squared and the common rational part be
subtracted. At this stage, normally one will be able to 62 + 480 = a + b + 4ab
make out the order of the surds. If even at this stage, it is Equating the corresponding rational and
not possible to identify the larger of the two, then the irrational parts on both sides, a + b = 62 and
numbers should be squared once more. 4ab = 480 ⇒ ab = 120
As a + b = 60 + 2 and ab = (60) (2) it follows
Examples that a = 60 and b = 2 or vice versa.
∴ a + b = 60 + 2
1 1
7.07. Simplify : −
4− 5 4+ 5 7.10. Which of the surds given below is greater?
3 + 23 and 6 + 19
1 1 4 + 5 − (4 − 5 )
2 5
Sol: − = =
4− 5 4+ 5 (4 − 5 ) (4 + 5 ) 11
Sol: ( 3 + 23 ) 2 = 26 + 2 69

1 69 lies between 64 and 81

7.08. Rationalize the denominator:
1+ 6 − 7 ∴ 26 + 2 69 lies between 26 + 2(8) and 26 +
2(9) i.e. 42 and 44.
Sol: A rationalizing factor of Similarly ( 6 + 19 ) 2 lies between 45 and 47.
1+ 6 – 7 is 1 + 6 + 7
∴ ( 3 + 23 ) 2 < ( 6 + 19 ) 2
1 (1 + 6 + 7 )
= ∴ 6 + 19 > 3 + 23
1+ 6 − 7 (1 + 6 − 7 ) (1 + 6 + 7 )

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 Concept Review Questions
Directions for questions 1 to 25: For the Multiple Choice Questions, select the correct alternative from the given
choices. For the Non-Multiple Choice Questions, write your answer in the box provided.

1. Simplify the following:

−2 5 −1 2 −2 3
(x ) ⋅ (x ) (x )
a 2c b 2a c 2b

(x ) ⋅ (x ) ⋅ (x )
 243   144   8  (b)
(a)  ÷  a+b c b+c a c +a b
 x   
 1024   49   343 
(A) 0 (B) x2a+2b+2c
(A) 25 × 3−1 × 7 (B) 25 × 3−3 × 7−2 (C) 1 (D) x4ab+4ac+4bc
(C) 24 × 3−3 × 7−1 (D) 24 × 3−1 × 7−2
50 × 2x − 4 + 25 × 2 x − 5
−3 16 3. =
 49  8
10 x + 3
(b)  
 65612  1 1
 

(A) −
27
(B)
27
(C) −
343
(D)
343
(A)
( )( )
5 210
x
(B)
( )( )
5 29
x

343 343 27 27 1 1

(c) (3 − 5)2 ÷ (4 − 7)−4 × [ (−3)−2]−1

(C)
(5 )(2 )
x 11
(D)
(5 )(2 )
x 8

4. 3430.12 × 24010.08 × 490.01 × 70.1 =

(A) 7 (B) 74/5 (C) 78 (D) 73/5
−2 3 −1
 x ⋅y   −3    −12
 x x ⋅y  ÷ x ⋅y 
2 2 7
(d)  q r
 z4   z − 2   z−8  p
      p + q +r p + q +r
5. Simplify: y p + q +r . y .y
(A) x10. y16 . z−22 (B) x7. y−16 . z−22
(A) y (B) 1 (C) 1/y (D) y2
(C) x−7. y16 . z−22 (D) x−10. y16 . z22
6. (a) If 52x = 625, find x.
−2 5
 3125 ⋅ x  −15
(e)  
 100000 x y − 20 
 
x
(A) 4. x−6 . y−8 (B) 4. x−6 . y8 (b) What is the value of x if 3 x = 81?
(C) 4. x6 . y−8 (D) 4. x6 . y8
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 2
2a − 5 a2 a +3
5 x 25 x 125 7. Which of the following is a rationalizing factor of
(f)
(3125 )3a 5 x 625a + 1 x 5−a 1 1
10 3 − 9 3 ?
2 2 2 2
(g) 7291/3 − 2433/5 + 813/2 × (27)−1 (A) 10 3 + 9 3 (B) 10 3 − 9 3
(A) 9 (B) 3 (C) 27 (D) 81 2 1 2 2 1 2

−5 3 (C) 10 3 + 90 3 + 9 3 (D) 10 3 − 9 3 + 9 3
11 x 121
(h)
1331− 4 x (14641)11 4 8. If 3x 7y = 441 where x and y are integers, what is the
(A) 1 (B) 11 (C) 121 (D) 11 –1 value of x − y?
(A) 0 (B) 1
(C) 2 (D) Cannot be determined
1 − [1 − {1 − (1 + y )−1 } ]
(i)
(1 − y ) 1 3 5 7 9

y y 1+ y 1+ y 2 9. (a) If 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 = 25x, find x.

(A)
(1− y )2
(B)
(1− y )2
(C)
(1− y )2
(D)
1 − y2

19 (b) Solve for x: 2 3 x + 4 = 2 4 x + 2

 1118 
(j)  
 7 −27 
 
(c) Solve for x: 729x + 1 = 34x − 3
( ) ( )
(x )a − b a + ab +b
(x )
b − c b + bc c
2 2 2 2

2. (a) x 9 11
(A) − (B) −
( )
 c 2 + ac + a 2  2 4
 
x xc − a   (C) −9 (D) −8
(A) 0 (B) 1
3 + b3 + c 3 3 a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + ac + bc + ca  (d) Solve for x: 9 2 x + 1 = 27 5 x − 3
(C) xa (D) x  
(A) 1 (B) 2
(C) −1 (D) −2
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 p r 1 1 3 1
10. If = and pa = qb = rc = sd, then − = 16. Simplify: +
q s a b 5 + 2 6 + 5
1 1 1 1
(A) − (B) + (A) 6− 2 (B) 6+ 2
d c c d
(C) 5+ 6 (D) 2− 6
1 1  1 1
(C) − (D) −  + 
c d c d 3
4
6 4 × 610
17. =
11. Which of the following gives the relation between the 4
69
pairs / triplets given below?
4
(A) 6 (B) 36 (C) 6 (D) 1
(a) 7125 ; 2375
(A) 7125 < 2375 5 2
(B) 7125 > 2375 18. 2 −5 + 10 + 1000 =
2 5
(C) 7125 = 2375
(D) Cannot be determined (A) 9 10 (B) 8 10 (C) 8 10 (D) 11 10

(b) 251 ; 413 × 324 −4

(A) 251 < 413 × 324
(C) 251 = 413 × 324
(c) (343)5, (49)7 , 716
(A) (343)5 > (49)7 > 716
(C) 716 < (49)7 > (343)5
 p − 4 pq 
(B) 251 > 413 × 324 19.   =
(D) Cannot be determined  4 pq − q 
 
p p q q
(A) (B) (C) (D)
(B) (343)5 < (49)7 < 716 q q p p
(D) (49)7 < (343)5 < 716

(d) (27)10, 520, 240 20. ( 324 + 2 323 ) − ( 324 − 2 323 ) =

(A) 520 > 240 > (27)10 (B) 240 < (27)10 < 520
(C) (27)10 < 520 < 240 (D) (27)10 > 520 > 240 (A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 36 (D) 2 323

(e) 775 ; 575 × 325 ; (200)25 1

21. If y = 12 + 2 35 , then y− =
(A) 775 > (200)25 > 575 × 325 y
(B) 575 × 325 > 775 > (200)25
(C) (200)25 > 775 > 575 × 325 7+ 5 3 5− 7
(A) (B)
(D) 775 > 575 × 325 > (200)25 2 2

12. Which of the following is the largest in value? 2 5+ 7 3 5+ 7

(C) (D)
(A) 61/2 (B) 71/3 (C) 81/4 (D) 91/5 2 2

9
= 9 − 77 1
13. 2 1 2 22. If y = , then find y 2 + 2 .
2 y
63 − 18 3 + 33
 31 1   1 1 
(A)  6 + 3 3  (B) (1/3)  6 3 + 3 3 
    6− 5 6+ 5
23. If a = and b = , then find the
 1 1   1 1 
6+ 5 6− 5
(C)  6 3 − 3 3  (D) (1/9)  6 3 + 3 3 
    value of a2 − ab + b2.

14. Which of the following is the conjugate of the surd

7 – 2? 24. Find the positive square root of the following surds
(A) 7 +2 (B) –2 – 7 (a) 14 − 6 5
(C) Either (A) or (B) (D) None of these (A) 5+ 3 (B) 3 − 5

50 (C) 3 + 5 (D) 5− 3
15. (a) Rationalise the denominator: .
15 − 10
(b) 18 + 308
(A) 5 15 − 5 10 (B) 10 15 − 10 10
(A) 7 + 11 (B) 11 − 7
(C) 5 15 + 5 10 (D) 10 15 + 10 10
(C) 7 + 11 (D) 7 − 11

5− 3 25. (a) Arrange the following in ascending order.

(b) Rationalise the denominator: .
5+ 3 a = 2+ 11 , b = 6+ 7,
(A) 8 − 15 (B) 4 + 15 c = 3 + 10 and d = 5 + 8
(C) 4 − 15 (D) 8 + 15 (A) abcd (B) abdc (C) acdb (D) acbd

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 (b) Arrange the following in descending order. (d) Arrange the following in ascending order.
a= 20 + 2,b= 24 + 6,c= 22 + 2 p= 26 − 23 , q = 18 − 15 , r = 11 − 8 ,
and d = 26 + 8 s = 24 − 21
(A) dcba (B) dcab (A) rqsp (B) psrq (C) pqrs (D) psqr
(C) dbac (D) dbca

(c) Arrange the following in descending order.

a = 13 + 11 , b = 15 + 9 , c = 18 + 6 ,
d = 7 + 17 .
(A) abdc (B) dcab (C) adcb (D) acdb

Exercise – 7(a)
Directions for questions 1 to 35: For the Multiple Choice Questions, select the correct alternative from the given
choices. For the Non-Multiple Choice Questions, write your answer in the box provided.

1. Simplify: [(81)4a]a . [278b]a . [(243) (92)]b2 1 1

+ .
1 + m yz− zx + m yz− xy 1 + mzx − xy + mzx − yz
(A) (729)a+b (B) 93a+b – 3a–b
( a + b )2 2
(C) (81) (D) 3 ( 4 a + 3b ) 1 1
(A) (B) (C) 1 (D) 2
3 2
2. If 5x = (0.125)y = 103z, then what is the relation
between x, y and z, given that they are non-zero real 10. If xy = yz = zx = k, which of the following is equal to k?
numbers?
(A) 1/x + 1/y + 1/z = 1 (B) 3/x = 1/y + 1/z (A) k = (xyz)xyz
(C) 1/z – 1/y – 1/x = 1 (D) xyz = 1 (B) k = (xyz)xy + yz + zx
3 xy + yz + zx
3. If a is positive and not equal to 1 and a − x = p , (C) k =
xyz
3 3
a − y = q , a − z = r and x + y + z = 0, for what value ( xyz ) /( xy + yz + zx )
(D) k = ( xyz)
of a will xyz be equal to –1/3?
(A) p + q + r (B) pqr 11. If aa ⋅ bb ⋅ cc = ab ⋅ bc ⋅ ca = ac ⋅ ba ⋅ cb and a, b, c are
(C) 3 pqr (D) 1/pqr positive integers greater than 1, then which of the
following can NOT be true for any of the possible
4. Solve for x and y: values of a, b, c?
3.5x + 2y + 2 = 107, 5x + 1 + 8.2y = 189 (A) abc = 8 (B) a + b + c = 8
(C) abc = 27 (D) a + b + c = 27
(A) 3, 2 (B) 5, 7 (C) 7, 5 (D) 2, 3
12. If x and y are natural numbers such that
5. Solve for x, if 5 7 ( ) 5x−4
= (35 ) (25 )
3 3/2 (yx + yx+1 + yx+2) is always divisible by 14, find the
minimum possible value of y.

6. If (3x+1) + (4y−1) = 73 and 4(3x) + 3(4y−2) = 60, find 13. If x2 – 4x + 1 = 0, then what is the value of x3 + 1/x3?
x + y.
(A) 5 (B) 4 (C) −1 (D) −2

If 5x + 3 − 5x − 3 = 78120, find x.
2
7. 14. If x = , find x.
2
2+
2
2+
2
2+
(2 ) . (2 ) . (2 ) .
a a b b c c
= 8 , which of the following is
....∞

(4 ) . (4 ) . (4 ) .
8. If 1
a −b b −c c −a (A) 2− 2 (B) + 3
2
a possible value of a + b + c?
(C) − 1+ 3 (D) − 1+ 2
(A) − 3 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) − 2
15. Arrange a, b, c in ascending order, where
1 a = 911 + 312; b = 817 + 712 and c = 278 + 512
9. Evaluate: + (A) a, c, b (B) a, b, c
1 + m xy − yz + m xy − zx (C) b, c, a (D) c, b, a

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16. Arrange the following numbers in ascending order. 25. Arrange a, b, c and d in descending order if
31/5, 41/6, 51/7, 61/8 a = 13 + 9 , b = 19 + 3 , c = 17 + 5 ,
(A) 31/5, 61/8, 51/7, 41/6 (B) 31/5, 51/7, 61/8, 41/6
(C) 31/5, 61/8, 41/6, 51/7 (D) 41/6, 31/5, 51/7, 61/8 d = 12 + 10 .

7 3 2 (A) b, c, a, d (B) d, b, a, c
17. The ascending order of 16 12 , 818 , 625 3 is _____. (C) d, b, c, a (D) d, a, c, b
7 3 2 7 2 3
(A) 16 12 , 818 , 625 3 (B) 16 12 , 625 3 , 818 , 26. Find the value of 16 + 2 55 .
2 7 3 3 7 2 (A) 1 + 15 (B) 10 + 5 + 5
(C) 625 3 , 16 12 , 818 (D) 818 , 16 12 , 625 3 (C) 1 + 2 5 + 15 (D) 11 + 5
2 2 2
18. If p + q + r = 1 what is the value of
 −pq ar  ×  − qr ap  ×  −pr a q  ?
27. Simplify: (a + b + c ) + 2 ac + bc .
     
      (A) a+ b+ c (B) a+b + c
1
(A) (B) (a)1/pqr (C) ab + bc (D) abc
(a)1 / pqr
(C) 1/(a)pqr (D) (a)pqr 28. Find the square root of 23 + 4 10 − 10 2 − 8 5 .
2 (A) 5 + 10 − 8
 a a 
19. Simplify :  +  10 + 8 − 5
b + c 
(B)
 b− c
8 + 5 + 10
(b − c )2
(C)
2a2 c
(A) (B) 5 + 8 − 10
(b − c )2 4a 2b (D)

(C)
4a 2b
(b − c ) 2
(D)
2a2
b + c 2 − a2
2 29. If x x x.......∞ = 11x, what is the value of ( x )?
x

3
(A) 11 (B) 11 (C) 11 (D) 1
11 + 4 6
20. If 2 2 + 3 = x , what is the value of in
2 2− 3 6
30. If x = , find the value of x.
6
terms of x? 4+
x2 6
(A) (B) x3 2+
6
2 4+
2 + ...∞
x3 x3
(C) (D) 9 + 33
8 5 (A) (B) 1
2
1 9 − 43 9 − 33
21. If x = 3
55 + 12 21 then the value of x + is (C) (D)
x 2 4

22. Which of the following is the greatest?

5 4 31. Simplify x + x 2 + x 4 + x 8 ........∞ .
(A) 16 81 (B) 5 27
(C) 12 6
243 (D) 8 3
9 (A)
 1+ 5 
x  (B)
(3 + 5 2 )
 2  x
 
23. If a = 5 + 2, then a2 – 1/a2 is equal to ________.
x 2+ 3
(A) 18 (B) 0 (C) (D)
1+ x x3 / 2
(C) 8 5 (D) –8 5
32. Find the value of
x 1 1
24. If x = 5 − 21, find the value of . − .
32 − 2x − 21
5 + 11− 2 30 3 − 10 + 2 21
7− 3 7− 3
(A) (B) 6 7 −7 6 7 6 +6 7
2 3 (A) (B)
42 42
7− 3 7− 3 7 7 −6 6 7 7 +6 6
(C) (D) (C) (D)
2 3 42 42

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 1 1 (A) 5466 (B) 5471
33. If + + (C) 5476 (D) 5481
x + x +1 x +1+ x + 2
1
+ .....
1
= 9, ( )(
35. If 7 + 3 + 2 a 21 + b 3 + c = 48 and a, b and c )
x+2 + x+3 x + 98 + x + 99 are integers, then the value of 2a + 3b + 4c is

which of the following is a possible value of x?

(A) 2 (B) 1 (C) 4 (D) 3

34. Find the value of x² − 3xy + y², if

19 + 3 2 19 − 3 2
x= and y =
19 − 3 2 19 + 3 2
Exercise – 7(b)
Directions for questions 1 to 35: For the Multiple Choice Questions, select the correct alternative from the given
choices. For the Non-Multiple Choice Questions, write your answer in the box provided.

a x 10 −3
a b c

If a x 52 = 2020.20, what is the value of (81a ) (81b ) (81c )

1. ? 9. If = 3 , then a + b + c
10 4 (6561b )−c (6561c )−a (6561a )−b
(A) 0.0000808080
could be
(B) 0.00000808080
(C) 0.000000808080 (A) 2 (B) 1/3
(D) 0.0000202020 (C) –1/2 (D) –1/3
2. What is the value of z in terms of x and y if
3x = 2y = 6z? 10. The greatest number among 6 3 5 , 9 − 3 2 ,
x+y xy 15 − 4 3 is
(A) z = (B) z =
4 xy x+y
(A) 6 3 5 (B) 9 − 3
2
x+y x +y 2 2
(C) z = (D) z = (C) 15 − 3 4
(D) Cannot say
2 xy
1
11. If x = , find x
1
3. If [(a3)b]3 = 83 x 83, which of the following could be 4+
1
the possible values of a and b? 3+
1
(A) 2, 2 (B) 3, 2 (C) 2, 3 (D) 4, 2 4+
3 + ....∞
4. Solve for x: 32x +2.3x – 99 = 0. 3 3
(A) 3+ (B) 3−
2 2
1 1
(C) 3+ (D) 3−
2 2
x x
5. Solve for x, if (a/b) (c/b) = 225/16, given a, b, c are
prime numbers. 12. If x = 255, y = 1714 and z = 3111, then which of the
(A) 4 (B) 3 (C) 2 (D) 1 following is the ascending order of the values of x, y
and z?
6. If 3x+3 – 3x−3 = 6552, then find x2. (A) zyx (B) zxy (C) yxz (D) xyz

8 88 88
13. If A = 888 , B = 88 , C = 8888 and D = 88 , which
7. If xyz = 1, then the expression of the following represents the ascending order of
A, B, C, D?
1 1 1
−1
+ −1
+ is equal to (A) CDAB (B) CABD
1+ x + y 1+ y + z 1 + z + x −1 (C) CBAD (D) ACBD
3
(A) 1 (B) 14. If ax = by = cz where a > 1, b > 1, c > 1, then the
x+y+z  
xyz
 
3 x+y+z value of (abc) 
xy + yz + zx 
is
(C) (D)
x −1 + y −1 + z −1 3
(A) ax + by + cz
(B) (abc)xyz
8. If a and b are integers such that ab + ba = 1025, find 1 1 1

the value of a + b. ax + by + cz
(C)
3
(D) ax

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15. If x = 3 + 2 , then x² − 1/x² = x
25. If x = 3 − 5 then evaluate .
(A) 12 2 (B) 10 2 + 3x − 2
1
(C) 50 (D) 4 6 (A) (B) 3 −2 5
4−2 5
16. What is the maximum value of k, if 12345678900000 1 1
(C) (D)
5 2 −3 5
× 10k is less than one?

17. If
3
x
=
98
, then find x2/3.
26. If a = 6 + 8 , what is 2 2 26 + 15 3 in terms ( )
392 x of a?
(A) 14 (B) 144 (C) 16 (D) 196 (A) a3/2 (B) a5/2 (C) a4 (D) a3

 1 1  1 1
18. If (x − y)  +  = 12, find the value 27. If a = ,b = , what is the value of
2+ 3 2− 3
 x + y x − y 
7b2 + 11ab – 7a2?
of y.
(A) 36 (B) 25
(A) –14 + 21 3 (B) 11 + 56 3
(C) 49 (D) Cannot be determined
(C) 49 + 8 3 (D) 3 + 11
..∞
..
x
x 1 28. If a = 12 +2, b = 3 +4, c = 6+ 8 and
19. If x = , find x.
4
d = 2 + 24 , which of the following represents
1 1 1 1 the ascending order of a, b, c and d?
(A) (B) 10 (C) 16 (D)
212 2 2 214
(A) cbda (B) cbad
(C) cadb (D) cabd
3− a+5 −1
20. If = , a=
a−4 16
29. Find the square root of
 1 1 1 
21. Find the value of 7 − 3 5 . 1 + + + + .........
 2 +1 3 + 2 4 + 3 .
3− 5  
(A) 7 −2 3 (B) 1
2  
 324 + 323 
3− 7 5+ 2
(C) (D) 1 3 −1
2 2 3 (A) 3 2 (B) (C) 2 3 (D)
2 2

22. What is the mean proportional of 2 − 3 and 30. Find the sum of the given terms in the following
26 − 15 3 ? series
1 1 1
(A) 7 – 4 3 (B) 12 – 7 3 + +
1 + 21/ 3 + 22 / 3
22 / 3 + 61/ 3 + 32 / 3 32 / 3 + 121/ 3 + 42 / 3
(C) 13 – 5 3 (D) 24 3 – 14 3 1
+ .... + 2 / 3
26 + 7021/ 3 + 272 / 3
23. The arithmetic mean of two surds is 5 + 9 2 , and
one of the surds is 1 + 12 2 . What is the square 31. If x = 3 2 + 3 4 , what is the value of x3 – 6x?
root of the other surd?
(A) 6 – 21 2 (B) 4 – 3 2 32. If x = 3 + 5 , then find the value of x3 − 9x2 + 22x.
(C) 3 ( 2 + 1) (D) (
2 2− 3 )
33. The value of
1 1 1 1
24. + = + is
6 + 7 − 13 6 − 7 − 13
3 − 5−2 6 5 − 8 − 2 15
1
(A) 6 (B) 3 2 +2 3 2 3 −3 2
6 (A) (B)
6 4
1
(C) 6 (D) 3 2 −2 3 2 3 +4 2
6 (C) (D)
12 12
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 a−b a+b 37. If p,q and r are non-zero real numbers, then find the
34. Simplify : − .
p2 r2 q2
a 2 + 3 ab + b 2 a2 − 3 ab + b 2
3 3 3 3
 1  1   1
 
value of  4 qr  ×  4 pq  ×  4 pr  .
(A) –2b1/3 (B) –2(ab)1/3
(C) a1/3 – b1/3 (D) (a/b)1/3      
     
Ι. p3 + q3 + r3 = 3 pqr.
13 + 2 3 13 − 2 3
35. If x = and y = , then what is ΙΙ. p = 1, q = 2 and r = −3.
13 − 2 3 13 + 2 3
the value of x² + 5xy + y² ? 38. If b is a natural number, which is greater a3b or
(a + 1)2b?
Directions for questions 36 to 40: Each question is Ι. a is a whole number.
followed by two statements, Ι and ΙΙ. Answer each ΙΙ. a is a natural number.
question using the following instructions:
39. Find a + b where a and b are non-negative integers.
Ι. 2a + 3b = 17.
Choose (A) if the question can be answered using one
ΙΙ. 9a + 8b = 145.
of the statements alone, but cannot be
answered using the other statement alone. 40. If a and b are positive, which is greater between P
Choose (B) if the question can be answered using and Q?
either statement alone.
Choose (C) if the question can be answered using Ι and Ι. P= 3
a3 + b3
ΙΙ together but not using Ι or ΙΙ alone ΙΙ. Q= a2 + b 2
Choose (D) if the question cannot be answered even
using Ι and ΙΙ together.

36. If x and y are positive integers, then what is the

value of (2x)y?
Ι. xy = 16.
ΙΙ. 2x = 8.

Key
Concept Review Questions

1. (a) C 3. D 11. (a) A 18. D

(b) B 4. B (b) B 19. D
(c) 2916 5. A (c) D 20. A
(d) D 6. (a) 2 (d) D 21. D
(e) C (b) A (e) B 22. 79
(f) 1 7. C 12. A 23. 481
(g) A 8. A 13. A 24. (a) B
(h) C 9. (a) 6.25 14. B (b) C
(i) 41503 (b) 2 15. (a) D 25. (a) C
(j) D (c) A (b) C (b) D
2. (a) B (d) A 16. A (c) A
(b) C 10. C 17. A (d) D

Exercise – 7(a)

1. D 10. D 19. C 28. D

2. B 11. B 20. D 29. A
3. B 12. 2 21. 5 30. B
4. D 13. 52 22. A 31. A
5. 2 14. C 23. C 32. B
6. A 15. A 24. C 33. B
7. 4 16. A 25. D 34. B
8. A 17. A 26. D 35. 64
9. C 18. A 27. B

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 Exercise – 7(b)

1. B 11. B 21. B 31. 6

2. B 12. B 22. A 32. 12
3. A 13. B 23. C 33. A
4. 2 14. D 24. B 34. A
5. C 15. D 25. C 35. 2503
6. 25 16. –14 26. D 36. C
7. A 17. D 27. B 37. B
8. 1025 18. D 28. D 38. D
9. C 19. C 29. A 39. A
10. C 20. 164 30. 2 40. C

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