Book 2B Chapter 8

(page 8.12 - 8.16)

Zero and Negative Integral Indices

 We have learnt the following
law of indices for .

If a ≠ 0 and both m and n are positive integers, then

(1) m>n

(2) m<n
Law
(2)
 What about when m = n?

If a ≠ 0 and both m and n are positive integers, then

(1) m>n

(2) m<n
Law
(2)
Consider .

Suppose the law of indices still

holds when m = n and a≠0.

= 40 = a0
Consider .

On the other hand,

= 40 = a0
Thus,
= =
Therefore, we define zero index as follows so that
the laws of indices hold.

If a ≠ 0, then .

For example,
Follow-up question
Find the values of the following expressions without
using a calculator.
(a) (b)

Solution
(a)

(b)
We have learnt about positive
integral indices and zero index.
Let’s explore the meanings of
negative integral indices.
Consider .

Suppose the law of indices still

holds when m < n and a≠0.

= 4–3 = a–4
Consider .

On the other hand,

= 4–3 = a–4
Thus,
= =
Therefore, we define negative integral indices as
follows so that the laws of indices hold.
If a ≠ 0 and n is a positive integer, then

For example, In particular,

 Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(a)

(b)

(c)
 Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(a)
 Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(b)
 Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(c) 30 = 1
Follow-up question
Find the values of the following expressions without
using a calculator. (Leave your answers in fractions
if necessary.)

(a) (b) (c)

Solution
(a)
Solution
(b)
Solution
(c)
With the definitions of zero
and negative integral indices,
the laws of indices hold for
all integral indices.
If a, b ≠ 0 and both m and n are integers, then

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)
 Simplify the following expressions
and express your answers with
positive indices.

(a)

(b)

(c)
 Simplify the following expressions
and express your answers with
positive indices.

(a)
(b)
(c)
Follow-up question
Simplify the following expressions and express your
answers with positive indices.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Solution

(a)
Solution

(b)
Solution

(c)