Laws of indices

Algebra uses symbols or letters to represent quantities; for example I = PRT

I is used to stand for interest, P for principle, R for rate, and T for time.

A quantity made up of symbols together with operations (+ - \times \div) is called

an algebraic expression. We use the laws of indices to simplify expressions
involving indices.

Expand the following boxes for the laws of indices. The videos show why the laws
are true.

The first law: multiplication

If the two terms have the same base (in this case x) and are to be multiplied
together their indices are added.

In general: x^m \times x^n = x^{m+n}

The second law: division

If the two terms have the same base (in this case x) and are to be divided their
indices are subtracted.

In general: \dfrac{x^m}{x^n}=x^{m-n}

If a term with a power is itself raised to a power then the powers are multiplied
together.

In general: (x^m)^n = x^{m \times n}