Y9C6

326 Chapter
p 6 Indices and surds
Pre-test 1 Evaluate:
a 52 b 102 c 24 d 33 e (-3)2
2 a List the factors of 24.

b List the factors of 45.
c List the prime factors of 24.
d List the prime factors of 45.
3 Write each of the following in index form (as a power).

a arbrb b 5b r 5b r 5a
c 3x r 3x d 2rarcr3rcrc
4 Write each of the following as 2 raised to a single power.

a 22 r 2 b 24 r 22 c 23 r 22
5 Simplify the following by removing brackets.

2
¤ 3³
a (32)2 b (xy)2 c (2a)2 d ¥
¦ 4 µ́
6 Evaluate:
1 1 1 1
a b c d
42 2 3
6 3 ¤ 9³
¥¦ 4 µ́
7 Round the following to two decimal places.
a 3.732 b 24.6174 c 18.3654 d 4.3971
8 State the number of significant figures in each of the following.

a 23.102 b 30.05 c 0.0012 d 49 500
9 Complete the following.

a 3.8 r 10 ______ b 2.31 r 1000 ______
c 17.2 v 100 ______ d 0.18 v 100 ______
e 3827 v ____ 3.827 f 6.49 r ____ 64 900
10 Complete the following.

a 152 225 so 225 ______ b 43 64 so 3 64 ______
c 3 125 5 so 53 ______ d 5
32 2 so 25 _______
11 Simplify by collecting like terms.

a 3a 7a 4b b 5a 2a 3
c 2ab 8a ab d 3a2b 2ab2 4a2b
ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

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Number and Algebra 327
6.1 In
Index notation
When a product includes the repeated multiplication of the
same factor, indices can be used to produce a more concise
expression. For example, 5 r 5 r 5 can be written as 53 and
x r x r x r x r x can be written as x5. The expression 53 is a
power and we can say ‘5 to the power of 3’. The 5 is called
the base and the 3 is the index, exponent or power. Numbers
written with indices are common in mathematics and can be
applied to many types of problems. The mass of a 100 kg Index notation is a convenient way for expressing
limestone block, for example, might decrease by 2 per cent large numbers or for carrying out calculations
per year for 20 years. The mass after 20 years could be such as how much mass is lost over time from
ancient stone monuments.
calculated by multiplying 100 by 0.98, 20 times.
This is written as 100 r (0.98)20.
Let’s start: Who has the most?

A person offers you one of two prizes.
s Which offer would you take?
Prize B
s Try to calculate the final amount for prize B. Prize A 1 cent then
s How might you use indices to help $1000 now doubled every
day for 20 days.
calculate the value of prize B?
s How can a calculator help to find the amount
for prize B using the power button ?
Indices (plural of index) can be Expanded form Index form
Key ideas
■
used to represent a product of the 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 25 32

same factor. base index basic numeral
■ The base is the factor in the x r x r x r x x4
product.
■ The index (exponent or power) is base index
the number of times the factor (base
number) is repeated. 108
108 = 2 r 2 r 3 r 3 r 3
■ Prime factorisation involves 2
= 2 r 33
writing a number as a product of its 2 54
prime factor form
prime factors.
■ Note that a1 a.
2 27
For example: 51 5
3 9
3 3

328 Chapter 6 Indices and surds
Example 1 Writing in expanded form

Write in expanded form:
a a3 b (xy)4 c 2a3b2
SOLUTION EXPLANATION
a a3 a r a r a Factor a is repeated three times.
4
b (xy) xy r xy r xy r xy Factor xy is repeated four times.
c 2a3b2 2 r a r a r a r b r b Factor a is repeated three times and factor b is
repeated twice. Factor 2 only appears once.
Example 2 Expanding and evaluating

Write each of the following in expanded form and then evaluate. 3
¤ 2³
a 53 b (-2)5 c ¥¦ µ́
5
a 53 5 r 5 r 5 Write in expanded form with 5 repeated three times
125 and evaluate.
b (-2)5 (-2) r (-2) r (-2) r (-2) r (-2) Write in expanded form with -2 repeated five times
-32 and evaluate.
3
¤ 2³ 2 2 2
c ¥¦ µ́ r r Write in expanded form.
5 5 5 5
Evaluate by multiplying numerators and
8
denominators.
125
Example 3 Writing in index form

Write each of the following in index form.
3 3 4 4 4
a 6rxrxrxrx b r r r r c 8rarar8rbrbrarb
7 7 5 5 5
a 6 r x r x r x r x 6x 4
Factor x is repeated 4 times, 6 only once.
2 3
3 3 4 4 4 ¤ 3³ ¤ 4³ ¤ 3³ ¤ 4³
b r r r r r¥ There are two groups of ¥¦ µ́ and three groups of ¥¦ µ́ .
7 7 5 5 5 ¥¦ 7 µ́ ¦ 5 µ́ 7 5
c 8rarar8rbrbrarb Group the numerals and like pronumerals and write
8r8rarararbrbrb in index form.
82a3 b3

Example 4 Finding the prime factor form

Express 48 as a product of prime factors in index form.
48 Choose a pair of factors of 48, for example 8 and 6.
Choose a pair of factors of 8, i.e. 2 and 4.
Choose a pair of factors of 6, i.e. 2 and 3.
8 r 6 Continue this process until the factors are all prime
numbers.
2 r 4 2 r 3
2 r 2
< 48 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 r 3 Write the prime factors of 48.
24 r 3 Express in index notation.
Exercise 6A
Understanding
1 Evaluate:
a 52 b 23 c 33 d (-4)2
2 Write the number or variable that is the base in these expressions.

a 37 b 64 c (1.2)5 d (-7)3
4
¤ 2³
e ¥¦ µ́ f y10 g w6 h t2
3
3 Write the number that is the index in these expressions.
4
¤ 1³
a 43 b 108 c (-3)7 d ¥¦ µ́
2
9
¤ x³
e x11 f (xy)13 g ¥¦ µ́ h (1.3x)2
2
4 Write the prime factors of these numbers.

a 6 b 15 c 30 d 77
Fluency
Example 1 5 Write each of the following in expanded form.

a a4 b b3 c x3 d (xp)6
4 3
e (5a) f (3y) g 4x2y5 h (pq)2
i -3s3t2 j 6x3y5 k 5(yz)6 l 4(ab)3

Example 2 6 Write each of the following in expanded form and then evaluate.
Fluency
a 62 b 24 c 35 d 121
3 7
e (-2) f (-1) g (-3)4 h (-5)2
3 2 3 2
¤ 2³ ¤ 3³ ¤ 1³ ¤ 5³
i ¥¦ µ́ j ¥¦ µ́ k ¥¦ µ́ l ¥¦ µ́
3 4 6 2
3 4 2 5
¤ 2³ ¤ -3 ³ ¤ -1³ ¤ 5³
m ¥ n ¥ o ¥¦ 4 µ́ p ¥
¦ -3 µ́ ¦ 4 µ́ ¦ -2 µ́
Example 3a 7 Write each of the following in index form.

a 3r3r3 b 8r8r8r8r8r8
c yry d 3rxrxrx
e 4rcrcrcrcrc f 5r5r5rdrd
g xrxryryry h 7rbr7rbr7
Example 3b 8 Write each of the following in index form.

2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 1 1 1 1 7x 7x y y y
a r r r b r r r r c r r r r r d r r r r
3 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 7 7 5 5 5 5 9 9 4 4 4
Example 3c 9 Write each of the following in index form.
a 3rxryrxr3rxr3ry b 3x r 2y r 3x r 2y
c 4d r 2e r 4d r 2e d 6by(6by)(6y)
e 3pq(3pq)(3pq)(3pq) f 7mn r 7mn r mn r 7
Example 4 10 Express each of the following as a product of prime factors in index form.
a 10 b 8 c 144
d 512 e 216 f 500
11 If a 3, b 2 and c -3, evaluate these expressions.

4 3
2 3 ¤ a³ ¤ b³
a (ab) b (bc) c ¥¦ µ́ d ¥¦ µ́
c c
e (abc)1 f c2 ab g ab2c h c2ab3
Problem-solving
12 Find the missing number.

a 3? 81 b 2? 256 c ?3 125 d ?5 32
?
1 ¤ 2³ 16
e ?3 -64 f ?7 -128 g ?3 h ¥¦ µ́
8 3 81
13 Bacteria cells split in 2 every 5 minutes. New cells also

continue splitting in the same way. Use a table to help.
a How long will it take for 1 cell to divide into:
i 4 cells ii 16 cells
iii 64 cells?
b A single cell is set aside to divide for two hours.
How many cells will there be after this time?

14 A share broker says he can triple your money every year, so you invest $1000 with him.
Problem-solving
a How much should your investment be worth in 5 years?
b How many years should you invest for if you were hoping for a total of at least $100 000?
Give a whole number of years.
15 A fat cat that was initially 12 kg reduces its weight by 10% each
month. How long does it take for the cat to be at least 6 kg lighter
than its original weight? Give your answer as a whole number of
months.
Reasoning
16 a Evaluate the following.
i 32 ii (-3)2 iii -(3)2 iv -(-3)2
b Explain why the answers to parts i and ii are positive.
c Explain why the answers to parts iii and iv are negative.

i 23 ii (-2)3 iii -(2)3 iv -(-2)3
b Explain why the answers to parts i and iv are positive.
c Explain why the answers to parts ii and iii are negative.
4
18 It is often easier to evaluate a decimal raised to a power by firstly ¤ 1³
(0.5)4 ¥
converting the decimal to a fraction as shown, right. ¦ 2 µ́
Use this idea to evaluate these as a fraction. 1 1 1 1
r r r
a (0.5)3 b (0.25)2 c (0.2)3 2 2 2 2
d (0.5)6 e (0.7)2 f (1.5)4 1

g (2.6) 2
h (11.3) 2
i (3.4)2 16
Enrichment: LCM and HCF from prime factorisation

19 Last year you may have used prime factorisation to find the LCM (Lowest Common Multiple)
and the HCF (Highest Common Factor) of two numbers. Here are the definitions.
s The LCM of two numbers in their prime factor form is the product of all the different primes
raised to their highest power.
s The HCF of two numbers in their prime factor form is the product of all the common primes
raised to their smallest power.
For example: 12 22 r 3 and 30 2 r 3 r 5
The prime factors 2 and 3 are common.
< LCM 22 r 3 r 5 < HCF 2 r 3
60 6
Find the LCM and HCF of these pairs of numbers by firstly writing them in prime factor form.
a 4, 6 b 42, 28 c 24, 36 d 10, 15
e 40, 90 f 100, 30 g 196, 126 h 2178, 1188

6.2 In
Index laws 1 and 2
An index law (or identity) is an equation that is true for all possible values of the variables in that
equation. When multiplying or dividing numbers with the same base, index laws can be used to simplify
the expression.
Consider am r an:
m factors of a n factors of a
Using expanded form: a r a a r a r a r … r a r a r a r … r a
m n
m n factors of a
mn
a
So the total number of factors of a is m n.

m factors of a
arar r a r a r a r a
Also am v an
a r ra ra
n factors of a
m n
a
So the total number of factors of a is m – n.
Let’s start: Discovering laws 1 and 2

Consider the two expressions 23 r 25 and 68 v 66.
Complete this working.
23 r 25 2 r r r2r r r r
2
6r r r r r r r
68 v 66 =
6r r r r r
6 r6

1
=6
s What do you notice about the given expression and Index laws have applications in calculations
involving very large (or very small) numbers
the answer in each case? Can you express this as a
rule or law in words?
s Repeat the type of working given above and test your laws on these expressions.
a 32 r 37 b 411 v 48
Index law 1: am r an amn

Key ideas
s When multiplying terms with the same base, add the powers.
am
■ Index law 2: am v an n am n
a
s When dividing terms with the same base, subtract the powers.

Example 5 Using laws 1 and 2 with numbers

Simplify, giving your answer in index form.
a 36 r 34 b 79 v 75
a 36 r 34 310 am r an am n (add the powers)
b 79 v 75 74 am v an am − n (subtract the powers)
Example 6 Using index law 1

Simplify each of the following using the first index law.
a x4 r x5 b x3y4 r x2y c 3m4 r 2m5
a x4 r x5 x4 5 Use law 1 to add the indices.
x9
b x3y4 r x2y x3 2y4 1 Use law 1 to add the indices corresponding to
each different base. Recall y y1.
x5y5
c 3m4 r 2m5 3 r 2 r m4 5 Multiply the numbers then use law 1 to add the
6m9 indices of the base m.

Simplify each of the following using the second index law.
8a6 b3
a x10 v x2 b
12a 2 b 2
a x10 v x2 x10 − 2 Use law 2 to subtract the indices.
x8
8a6 b3 2
8 a6 2 b3 2
b Cancel the numbers using the highest common
12a 2 b 2 3
12 factor (4) and use law 2 to subtract the indices for
2a 4 b each different base.

3

Example 8 Combining index laws 1 and 2

Simplify each of the following using the first two index laws.
2a3 b r 8a 2 b3
a x2 r x3 v x4 b
4a4 b2
a x2 r x3 v x4 x5 v x4 Use law 1 to add the indices for x2 r x3.
x Use law 2 to subtract the indices for x5 v x4.
2a3 b r 8a 2 b3 16a 5 b 4
b Multiply the numbers and use law 1 to add the
4a4 b2 4a4 b2 indices for each different base in the numerator.
= 4ab2 Use law 2 to subtract the indices of each different
base and cancel the numbers.
Exercise 6B
Understanding
1 Write the missing words.
words
a Index law 1 states that if you _________ two terms with the same _______ you _______
the powers.
b Index law 2 states that if you _________ two terms with the same _______ you _______
the powers.
2 Copy and complete to give an answer in index form. Use cancelling in parts c and d.
a 32 r 34 3 r r3r r r
3
b 64 r 63 6 r r r r6r r
6
5r r r r
c 55 v 53
5r r
5
9r r r
d 94 v 92
9r
9
3 Decide if these statements are true or false.

a 5 r 5 r 5 r 5 54 b 26 r 22 26 2
2
c 7 r7 74 4–2
d 84 v 82 84 2
e a r a2 a3 f a5 r a2 a5 – 2
7
g x vxx 7
h b4 v b b3

Fluency
Example 5 4 Simplify, giving your answers in index form.
a 24 r 23 b 56 r 53 c 72 r 74 d 89 r 8
4
e 3 r3 4 5
f 6 r6 9
g 37 v 34 h 68 v 63
i 54 v 5 j 106 v 105 k 99 v 96 l (-2)5 v (-2)3
Example 6 5 Simplify each of the following using the first index law.
a x4 r x3 b a6 r a3 c t5 r t3 d y r y4
2
e d rd 2
f y ryry 4
g b r b5 r b2 h q6 r q3 r q2
i x3y3 r x4y2 j x7y3 r x2y k 5x3y5 r xy4 l xy4z r 4xy
3
m 3m r 5m 2 4 2
n 4e f r 2e f 2 2
o 5c4d r 4c3d p 9yz2 r 2yz5
Example 7 6 Simplify each of the following using the second index law.
q12 d7
a a6 v a4 b x5 v x2 c d
q2 d6
8b10 12d 10 4 a14 18 y15
e f g h
4b5 36d 5 2a 7 9y7
i 9m3 v m2 j 14x4 v x k 5y4 v y2 l 6a6 v a5
3m 7 5w 2 4a4 5
m 2
n o 3
p 7x
12m 25w 20 a 63 x
16 x8 y 6 6s 6 t 3 8m 5 n4 5x 2 y
q 2 3 r s t -
12 x y 14 s 5t 6 m 4 n3 xy
Example 8 7 Simplify each of the following using the first two index laws.
a b5 r b2 v b b y5 r y4 v y3 c c4 v c r c4 d x4 r x2 v x5
t4 r t3 p2 r p7 d5 r d3 x9 r x2
e 6
f 3
g 2
h
t p d x
3 x 3 y 4 r 8 xy 9b 4 4g4
i j r
6x2 y2 2g3 3b 2
24 m 7 n5 5m 2 n4 p4 q3 p6 q 4
k r l r
5m3 n 8mn2 p2 q p3 q 2
8 Simplify each of the following.

m4 m x x3 a4 b6
a r b r c r
n2 n3 y y b3 a
12a 6a 4 3 f 2 r8 f 7 4 x 2 b r 9 x3b2
d 3
r 4
e 3 f
3c 4c 4f 3 xb
8k 4 m 5 15km 12 x 7 y 3 25 x 2 y 3 9m 5 n2 r 4 mn3 m3 n 2
g 3
r h 4
r 4
i - 4 2
r
5km 4k 5x y 8 xy 12mn r m n 2m 2 n

Problem-solving
9 Write the missing number.
a 27 r 2 219 b 6 r 63 611 c 116 v 11 113
d 19 v 192 19 e x6 r x x7 f a r a2 a20
13
g b vb b h y v y9 y2 i r x2 r 3x4 12x6
a8 b
j 15y4 v y3 y k a9 v 4a l 13b6 v b5
2 3
10 Evaluate without using a calculator.
a 77 v 75 b 106 v 105 c 1311 v 139 d 220 v 217
e 1015 v 1014 f 20030 v 20028 g 7 r 3116 v 3115 h 3 r 50200 v 50198
11 If m and n are positive integers, how many combinations of m and n satisfy the following?
a am r an a8 b am r an a15
Reasoning
12 The given answers are incorrect. Give the correct answer and explain the error made.
a a4 r a a4 b x7 v x x7 c 3a5 v6a3 2a2
1
d 5x7 v 10x3 e 2x7 r 3x4 5x11 f a5 v a2 r a a5 v a3 a2
2x4
13 Given that a 2x, b 4x2 and c 5x3, find expressions for:
a 2a b 3b c 2c d -2a
c ab -2bc
e abc f g h
b c a
14 Simplify these expressions using the given variables.

a 2x r 2y b 5a r 5b c tx r ty
d 3 v3
x y
e 10 p v 10y f tx v ty
g 2p r 2q v 2r h 10 p v 10q v 10r i 2a r 2a b r 23a b
x 2 x
j a b ra b 2x 3
k a xb y r ayb x l a xb y v ayb x
a x r 3a y 4 pa r 5q b
m w x 2b x v w2x r b3 n o
3a 2 20 q 5
10 k x m y 5k x m 2 x
p v
8km3 16k
Enrichment: Equal to ab
15 Show working to prove that these expressions simplify to ab.
5a 2 b 7 9a 4 b 2 3a 5 bc3 4 b3 2a 3 b 2 c
a r b r r 2 4 2
9a 3 b 5a 2 b 7 6a 4 c 2abc 2a b c
3a 4 b 5 6b 3 2a 9a 4 b 7 6a
c 5 2
v 2
d 2 3
r 5
v
a b 2a b 3a b ab b2
16 Make up your own expressions which simplify to ab. Test them on a friend.

6.3 In
Index law 3 and the zero power
Sometimes we find expressions already written in index form are raised to another power, such as
(23)4 or (a2)5.
Consider (am)n.
n factors of am
Using expanded form (am)n am r am r … r am
m factors of a m factors of a m factors of a
a r a r … r a r a r a r … r a r… r a r a r … r a
m r n factors of a
mrn
a
6n 1
So the total number of factors of a is m r n. 4n 1 5n 1
3n 1
a ra ra r ra 2n
We also know that am v am 1
a ra ra r ra 1n 1
1

1
1
But using index law number 2: am v am am m

a0
0
This implies that a 1.
Any number raised to the power of zero is one
Let’s start: Discovering law 3 and the zero power
Use the expanded form of 53 to simplify (53)2 as shown.
(53)2 5 r r r5r r
5
s Repeat these steps to also simplify (32)4 and (x4)2.
s What do you notice about the given expression and answer in each case? Can you express this as a law
or rule in words?
Now complete this table.
Index form 35 34 33 32 31 30
Basic Numeral 243 81
s What pattern do you notice in the basic numerals?
s What conclusion do you come to regarding 30?
Index law 3: (am)n amn

Key ideas
s When raising a term in index form to another power, retain the base and multiply the
indices. For example: (x2)3 x2 r 3 x6.
■ The zero power: a0 1, where a w 0
s Any term except 0 raised to the power of zero is 1. For example: (2a)0 1.


Apply index law 3 to simplify each of the following.
a (x5)4 b 3(y5)2
a (x5)4 x5 r 4 Retain x as the base and multiply the indices.
x20
b 3(y5)2 3y5 r 2 Retain y and multiply the indices.
3y10
Example 10 Using the zero power

Apply the zero power rule to evaluate each of the following.
a (-3)0 b -(5x)0 c 2y0 − (3y)0
a (-3)0 1 Any number raised to the power of 0 is 1.
b -(5x)0 -1 Everything in the brackets is to the power of 0 so
(5x)0 is 1.
c 2y0 − (3y)0 2 r 1 1 2y0 has no brackets so the power applies to the y
2 1 only so 2y0 2 r y0 2 r1 while (3y)0 1.
1
Example 11 Combining index laws

Simplify each of the following by applying the various index laws.
(m3 ) 4 4 x 2 r 3x3
a (x2)3 r (x3)5 b c
m7 6x5
2 3 3 5
a (x ) r (x ) x r x 6 15
Use index law 3 to remove brackets first by multiplying
x21 indices. Then use index law 1 to add indices.
(m3 ) 4 m12 Remove brackets by multiplying indices then
b
7 7
m m simplify using index law 2.
m5
4 x 2 r 3x3 12 x 5 Simplify the numerator first by multiplying

c numbers and adding indices of base x.
6x5 6x5
Then cancel and subtract indices.
2x0
The zero power says x0 1.
2r1
2

Exercise 6C
Understanding
1 Write the missing words or numbers in these sentences.
a When raising a term or numbers in index form to another power, ________ the indices.
b Any number (except 0) raised to the power 0 is equal to ___.
2 Write the missing numbers in these tables.

a Index form 26 25 24 23 22 21 20
Basic numeral 64 32
b Index form 45 44 43 42 41 40
Basic numeral 1024 256
3 Copy and complete this working.

a (42)3 4 r r4r r4r
4
b (123)3 12 r r r 12 r r r 12 r r
12
c (x4)2 x r r r r x r r r
x
2 5
d (a ) a r r a r r a r r a r r a r
a
Fluency
Example 9 4 Apply index law 3 to simplify each of the following. Leave your answers in index form.
a (y6)2 b (m3)6 c (x2)5 d (b3)4
2 3 3 5 5 6
e (3 ) f (4 ) g (3 ) h (75)2
i 5(m8)2 j 4(q7)4 k -3(c2)5 l 2(j4)6
Example 10 5 Evaluate each of the following.

a 50 b 90 c (-6)0 d (-3)0
0 0
¤ 3³ ¤ 1³
e -(40) f ¥¦ 4 µ́ g ¥¦ - 7 µ́ h (4y)0
i 5m0 j -3p0 k 6x0 − 2x0 l -5n0 − (8n)0

m (3x4)0 n 10 20 30 o (1 2 3)0 p 1000 − a0
Example 11a 6 Simplify each of the following by combining various index laws.
a 4 r (43)2 b (34)2 r 3 c x r (x0)5
d y5 r (y2)4 e b5 r (b3)3 f (a2)3 r a4
3 4
g (d ) r (d )2 6 2 6
h (y ) r (y) 4
i z4 r (z3)2 r (z5)3
j a3f r (a4)2 r ( f 4)3 k x2y r (x3)4 r (y2)2 l (s2)3 r 5(r0)3 r rs2

Example 11b 7 Simplify each of the following.
Fluency
a 78 v (73)2 b (42)3 v 45 c (36)3 v (35)2
3 6
d (m ) v (m )2 9
e (y5)3 v (y6)2 f (h11)2 v (h5)4
(b 2 ) 5 ( x 4 )3 ( y 3 )3
g h i
b4 x7 y3
Example 11c 8 Simplify each of the following using various index laws.
3x 4 r 6 x3 5x 5 r 4 x 2 24( x 4 )4
a b c
9 x12 2 x10 8( x 4 )2
4 ( d 4 )3 r ( e 4 ) 2 6(m3 )2 ( n5 )3 2(a3 )4 (b 2 )6
d e f
8(d 2 )5 r e 7 15(m 5 )0 ( n2 )7 16(a)0 (b6 )2
Problem-solving
9 There are 100 rabbits on Mt Burrow at the start of the year 2000. The rule for the number of
rabbits N after t years (from the start of the year 2000) is N 100 r 2t.
a Find the number of rabbits at:

i t2 ii t 6 iii t 0
b Find the number of rabbits at the beginning of:
i 2003 ii 2007 iii 2010
c How many years will it take for the population to first rise to more than 500 000? Give a
whole number of years.
10 If m and n are positive integers, in how many ways can (am)n a16?
11 Evaluate these without using a calculator.

a (24)8 v 230 b (103)7 v 1018 c (x4)9 v x36
( a 2 )3 (b 7 ) 4
d ((-1)11)2 r ((-1)2)11 e -2((-2)3)3 v (-2)8 f r
(b 4 ) 7 (a 3 ) 2

Reasoning
12 Explain the error made in the following problems then give the correct answer.
a (a4)5 a9 b 3(x3)2 9x6 c (2x)0 2
13 a Simplify these by firstly working with the inner brackets. Leave your answer in index form.
i (23)4)2 ii (((-2)2)5)3 iii ((x6)2)7 iv (((a2)4)3)2
b Simplify these expressions.
i ((2a)b)c ii ((am)n)p iii (x2y)3z
5a 2 b 10 a 4 b 7
14 a Show that v is equal to 1.
2ab 2 4 a 3 b8
b Make up your own expression like the one above where the answer is equal to 1. Test it on a
friend.
Enrichment: Changing the base

15 The base of a number in index form can be changed using index law number 3.
For example: 82 (23)2

26
Change the base numbers and simplify the following using the smallest possible base integer.
a 84 b 323 c 93
5 5
d 81 e 25 f 24310
g 2569 h 240120 i 100 00010
A research scientist in a microbiology laboratory would use indices to express the

numbers of microbes being studied

6.4 In
Index laws 4 and 5
4
¤ x³
It is common to find expressions such as (2x)3 and ¥ in mathematical problems. These differ from
¦ 3 µ́
most of the expressions in previous sections as they contain more than one single number or variable,
connected by multiplication or division, raised to a power. These expressions can also be simplified using
two index laws which effectively remove the brackets.
Consider (a r b)m:
m factors of ab
Using expanded form: (a rb)m ab r ab r ab r … r ab
m factors of a m factors of b
a r a r … r a r b r b r … r b
am r bm
So this becomes a product of m factors of a and m factors of b.
a
m factors of
m
b
Also, ¤ a³ a a a a
¥¦ b µ́ b r b r b r r
b
m factors of a
a ra ra r ra

b rb rb r rb
m factors of b
am

bm
So to remove the brackets we can raise each of a and b to the power m.
Let’s start: Discovering laws 4 and 5

4
¤ x³
Use the expanded form of (2x)3 and ¥ to help simplify the expressions.
¦ 3 µ́
4
¤ x³ x
(2x)3 2x r r ¥¦ 3 µ́ 3 r r r
xr r r
2r2r2r r r
3r r r
2 r

5
¤ x³
s Repeat these steps to also simplify these expressions (3y)4 and ¥ .
¦ 2 µ́
s What do you notice about the given expressions and the answer in each case? Can you express this as
a rule or law in words?

Index law 4: (a r b)m (ab)m ambm
Key ideas
■
s When multiplying two or more numbers raised to the power of m, raise each number in
the brackets to the power of m. For example: (2x)2 22x2 4x2.
m
¤ a³ am
■ Index law 5: ¥ m and b w 0
¦ b µ́ b
s When dividing two numbers raised to the power of m, raise each number in the brackets to
3
¤ y³ y3 y3
the power of m. For example: ¥ 3 .
¦ 3 µ́ 3 27

Expand each of the following using the fourth index law.
a (5b)3 b (-2x3y)4 c 4(c2d3)5
3
a (5b) 5 b 3 3
Raise each numeral and pronumeral in the brackets
125b3 to the power of 3.
Evaluate 53 5 r 5 r 5.
b (-2x3y)4 (-2)4(x3)4y4 Raise each value in the brackets to the power of 4.
16x12y4 Evaluate (-2)4 and simplify using law 3.
c 4(c2d3)5 4(c2)5(d3)5 Raise each value in the brackets to the power of 5.
4c10d15 Note that the coefficient (4) is not raised to the
power of 5. Simplify using index laws.

Apply the fifth index law to the following.
4 3
¤ 6³
3 ¤ -2a 2 ³ ¤ x 2 y 3 ³ ¤ xc ³ 4
a ¥ b ¥ ´ c ¥ c ´ r ¥¦ y µ́
¦ b µ́ ¦ 3bc3 µ ¦ µ
3
¤ 6³ 63
a ¥ 3 Raise each value in the brackets to the power of 3
¦ b µ́ b and evaluate 63.
216
3
b
4
¤ -2a 2 ³ (-2)4 a8
b ¥ ´ Raise each value in the brackets to the power of 4.
¦ 3bc3 µ 34 b 4 c12 Evaluate (-2)4 and 34.
16a8

81b 4 c12

34
¤ 2 3³ 6 9 4 4
c ¥ x y ´ r ¤ xc ³ x y r x c Raise each value in the brackets to the power.
¥
¦ c µ ¦ y µ́ c3 y4
Multiply the numerators using law 1 then divide
x10 y 9 c 4 using law 2.

c3 y 4
x10 y 5 c
Exercise 6D
Understanding
1 Copy and complete index laws 4 and 5. m
¤ a³ am
a (a r b)m am r b ¥¦ b µ́
2 Copy and complete this working.

a (5a)3 5a r r b (ab)4 ab r r r
5r5r5rar r ar r r rbr r r
53 r a4 r
3 5
¤ x³ x ¤ a³ a
c ¥¦ 6 µ́ 6 r r d ¥¦ b µ́ b r r r r
xr r ar r r r

6r r br r r r
3 5
x a

Fluency
Example 12 3 Expand each of the following using the fourth index law.
a (2x)3 b (5y)2 c (4a2)3 d (-3r)2
e -(3b)4 f -(7r)3 g (-2h2)4 h (5c2d3)4
3 2 5 2 4 3
i (2x y ) j 9(p q ) k 2(x3y)2 l (8t2u9v4)0
m (-3w3y)3 n -4(p4qr)2 o (-5s7t)2 p -(-2x4yz3)3
Example 13a,b 4 Apply the fifth index law to expand the following.
3 4 3 4
¤ p³ ¤ x³ ¤ 4³ ¤ 5³
a ¥ b ¥ c ¥¦ y µ́ d ¥ 2´
¦ q µ́ ¦ y µ́ ¦p µ
2 2 5 3
¤ 2³ ¤ s3 ³ ¤ 2m ³ ¤ 2a 2 ³
e ¥ f ¥ 7´ g ¥¦ n µ́ h ¥ ´
¦ r 3 µ́ ¦ µ ¦ 3 µ
3 2 2
¤ 3 n3 ³ ¤ -2r ³
4
¤ -3 f ³ ¤ 5w 4 y ³
i ¥ 4´ j ¥¦ n µ́ k ¥ 3 5´ l ¥ ´
¦ 2m µ ¦2 g µ ¦ 2x3 µ
2 3 2 2
¤ -3 x ³ ¤ 3km3 ³ ¤ -5w 4 y ³ ¤ 3x 2 y3 ³
m ¥ 3 5´ n ¥ ´ o -¥ ´ p ¥- 5 3´
¦ 2y g µ ¦ 4 n7 µ ¦ 2 zx 3 µ ¦ 2a b µ

5 Simplify each of the following by applying the various index laws.
Fluency
a a(3b)2 b a(3b2)3 c -3(2a3b4)2a2
2 3 3 2 5 3
d 2(3x y ) e (-4b c d) f a(2a)3
g a(3a2)2 h 5a3(-2a4b)3 i -5(-2m3pt2)5
2 4 2 3 4 3 3
j -(-7d f g) k -2(-2 x yz ) l -4a2b3(-2a3b2)2
Example 13c 6 Simplify each of the following.

a ((x2)3)4 b ((2x3)2)4 c (a3b2)3 r (a4b)2
(2m3 n)3 3(22 c 4 d 5 )3
d (a2b)3 r (ab2)4 e f
m4 (2cd 2 )4
3
¤ -3 x 2 y 0 ³ -3(24 a 4 b3 )3 -5(35 m3 n2 )2
g ¥ 5 3´ h i
¦ 5a b µ (-23 a 2 b)4 (-33 m 2 n)3
3 2 4 3 2 3
¤ a3 b ³ ¤ ac 4 ³ ¤ x2z ³ ¤ xy 2 ³ ¤ r 3s ³ ¤ s ³
j ¥ c ´ r¥ b ´ k ¥ ´ r¥ ´ l ¥ t ´ v ¥¦ 4 µ́
¦ µ ¦ µ ¦ y µ ¦ z µ ¦ µ rt
Problem-solving
7 The rule for the number of seeds germinating in a glass house over a two-week period is given
3
¤t³
by N ¥ where N is the number of germinating seeds and t is the number of days.
¦ 2 µ́
a Find the number of germinating seeds after:
i 4 days
ii 10 days
b Use index law 5 to rewrite the
rule without brackets.
c Use your rule in part b to
find the number of seeds
germinating after:
i 6 days
ii 4 days
d Find the number of days
required to germinate:
i 64 seeds
ii 1 seed
8 Find the value of a that makes these equations true, given a 0.

2 4
¤ a³ 4 ¤ a³
a ¥¦ 3 µ́ 9 b ¥¦ 2 µ́ 16 c (5a)3 1000
2 3
¤ 2a ³ 4 ¤ 6a ³
d (2a)4 256 e ¥¦ 3 µ́ 9 f ¥ 1728
¦ 7 µ́

Reasoning
24
16 1 24
9 Rather than evaluating
as , it is easier to evaluate in the following way (below).
44 256 16 44
a Explain why this method is helpful.
4
b Use this idea to evaluate these without the use of a calculator. 24 ¤ 2 ³
¥
63 10 4 4 4 ¦ 4 µ́
i ii
33 54 ¤ 1³
4
4 4
33 ¥¦ 2 µ́
iii iv
124 303
14
10 Decide if the following are true or false. Give reasons. 4
2
a (-2x)2 -(2x)2
1
b (-3x)3 -(3x)3
5 5 16
¤ -5 ³ ¤ 5³
c ¥ -¥
¦ x µ́ ¦ x µ́
4 4
¤-4 ³ ¤ 4³
d ¥ -¥
¦ x µ́ ¦ x µ́
Enrichment: False laws

11 Consider the equation (a b)2 a2 b2.
a Using a 2 and b 3, evaluate (a b)2.
b Using a 2 and b 3, evaluate a2 b2.
c Would you say that the equation is true for all values of a and b?
d Now decide if (a – b)2 a2 – b2 for all values of a and b. Give an example to support your
answer.
e Decide if these equations are true or false for all values of a and b.
i (-ab)2 a2b2 ii -(ab)2 a2b2
3
¤ -a ³ -a 3 ¤ -a ³
4
-a 4
iii ¥ 3 iv ¥ 4
¦ b µ́ b ¦ b µ́ b

6.5 Ne
Negative indices
We know that 23 8 and 20 1 but what about 2 1 or 2 6? Such numbers written in index form using
negative indices also have meaning in mathematics.
Consider a2 v a5.
Method 1: Using law 2 Method 2: By cancelling

2
a 1 1
a 2 5 a2 a ra
a 5
a5 ararara 1ra 1
a 3 (from index law 2)
1
=
a3
1
< a 3
a3
Also, using index law 1 we can write:
am r a m am + ( m)
a0
1
1 1
So dividing by am we have a m or dividing by a m we have a m .
am a m
Let’s start: Continuing the pattern

Explore the use of negative indices by completing this table.
Index form 24 23 22 21 20 2-1 2-2 2-3

1 1
Whole number or fraction 16 8
4 22
v2 v2 v2
s What do you notice about the numbers with negative indices in the top row in comparison to the
fractions in the second row?
s Can you describe this connection formally in words?
s What might be another way of writing 2-7 or 5-4?
Key ideas
1 1
■ a m m
and a m m
a a
a raised to the power -m is equal to the reciprocal of a raised to the power m. (a w 0)

Example 14 Writing expressions using positive indices

Express each of the following with positive indices only.
a x 2 b 3a 2b4
1 1
a x 2 2
a m .
x am
3 1 b4 Rewrite a 2 using a positive power and multiply

2 4
b 3a b r 2 r numerators and denominators.
1 a 1
3b 4

a2
1
Example 15 Using am
a m
Express each of the following using positive indices only.
1 x 3 5
a b c
c 2 y 5 3 4
x y
1 1
a 2
c2 m
am .
c a
b x 3 1 1
x 3 r Express x 3 and with positive indices using
y 5
y 5
y 5
1 y5 1 1
3
r a m and a m.
1 m
x a m a
y5

x3
5 5y 4 1
c 3 4
Express as a positive power.
x y x3 y 4
Example 16 Evaluating without a calculator

Express using positive powers only, then evaluate without using a calculator.
4
4 -5 ¤ 2³
a 3 b c ¥¦ 3 µ́
3 2

1
a 3 4 Express 3 4 as a positive power and evaluate 34.
34
1

81
-5 1 1
b -5 r Express as a positive power and simplify.
2 2
3 3 3 2
-5 r 32
-5 r 9
-5
¤ 2³
4
2 4 Apply the power to each numeral in the brackets
c ¥ using index law 5.
¦ 3 µ́ 3 4
1
1 Express 2 4 and with positive indices and
2 4 r 3 4
3 4 evaluate.
1
4
r 34
2
34

24
81

16
Exercise 6E
1 1
Understanding
1 Write the following using
usin positive indices. For example: .
8 23
1 1 1 1
a b c d
4 9 125 27
2 Complete the tables with the missing numbers.
a
Index form 4 3 2
3 3 3 31 30 3 1 3 2 3 3
Whole number or fraction 81 27 1 1

=
9 32
v3 v3 v3
b Index form 104 103 102 101 100 10 1 10 2 10 3
1 1
Whole number or fraction 10 000 =
1000 103
v10 v10

Fluency
Example 14 3 Express each of the following with positive indices only.
a x 1 b a 4 c b 6 d 5 2
3 1
e 4 f 9 g 5x 2 h 4y 3
i 3m 5 j p7q 2 k mn 4 l x4y 4
3 1 2 3
m 2a b n 7r s o 5 1u 8v2 p 9 1m 3n 5
Example 15a 4 Express each of the following using positive indices only.
1 1 1 1
a 1 b
c d
y b 2
m 5 x 4
7 3 5 4
e 1 f g h
q t 2
h 4 p 4
a e 2 n2 y5
i 2
j 1
k 3
l
b d m 3 x 2
-3 -2 -3g (-3u)2
m n 8
o 3
p
4
7y b 4h 5t 2
Example 15b 5 Express each of the following using positive indices only.
a 3 x 2 g 2 m 1
a b c d
b 3 y 5 h 3 n 1
5 1 3 2 5 2 4 3
e f g h
7 3 4 3 6 1 8 2
Example 15c 6 Express each of the following using positive indices only.
7 1 a 3 5 1 2a 4
a b c d
x 4 y 3 u 3 v 2 y 3 b 5 c 2
5a 2 c 4 5 1 h3 k 2 4t 1u 2 4 1 x 2 y 5
e f 1 2 g h
6b 2 d 4 m p 3 1 v 2 w 6 4 m 1n 4
Problem-solving
Example 16 7 Evaluate without the use of a calculator. Hint: write expressions using positive indices.
a 5 1 b 3 2 c (-4) 2 d -5 2
2 3 2
e 4 r 10 f -5 r 10 g -3 r 2 h 8 r (22) 2
6 7 2 1 2 1
4
i 6 r6 j 8 r (8 ) 2 3
k (5 ) r (2 ) l (3 2)2 r (7 1) 1
1 1 -2 2
m 1 n o p
8 10 2
5 3 2 3
2 3
-5 23 ¤ 3³ ¤ -4 ³
q r s ¥¦ µ́ t ¥¦ µ́
2 1 2 3 8 3
1 4
2 (3 2 )3 (-2 3 ) 3 ¤ 2 4 ³ ¤ 7 1 ³
u (-5) v w x ¥ 2 r ¥ 1
2 2 3 5 (2 2 ) 4 ¦ 7 µ́ ¦ 2 µ́

8 The mass of a small insect is 2 9 kg. How many grams is this?
Problem-solving
Round to two decimal places.
9 Find the value of x in these equations.

1 1 1
a 2x b 5x c (-3) x
16 625 81
d (0.5)x 2 e (0.2)x 25 f 3(22x) 0.75
Reasoning
10 Describe the error made in these problems then give the correct answer.
1 5 a 4 2 2b 2
a 2 x 2 2 b 4 c 2
2x a 5 (3b) 9
1
2
11 Consider the number ¤¥ ³ .
¦ 3 µ́
1
¤2 1
a Complete this working: ¥ ³
¦ 3 µ́ ¤ 2³
¦ 3µ
1v
1r
3

2
b Show similar working as in part a to simplify these.
1 1 1 1
i ¤ 5³ 2
ii ¤¥ ³
x
iii ¤¥ ³
a
iv ¤¥ ³
¥¦ µ́ ¦ 7 µ́ ¦ 3 µ́ ¦ b µ́
4
c What conclusion can you come to regarding the simplification of fractions raised to the power -1?
d Simplify these fractions.
2 2 5 3
i ¤ 2³ 4
ii ¤¥ ³
1
iii ¤¥ ³
7
iv ¤¥ ³
¥¦ µ́ ¦ 5 µ́ ¦ 2 µ́ ¦ 3 µ́
3
Enrichment: Exponential equations

12 To find x in 2x 32 you could use trial and error; however, the following approach is more
useful.
2x 32
2x 25 (express 32 using a matching base)
<x5
Use this idea to solve for x in these equations.
1 x 1
a 2x 16 b 3x 81 c 5x 25 d ¤¥ ³
¦ 2 µ́ 8
x x
¤1 1 2
¤ ³ 16
e ¥ ³ f ¥¦ µ́ g 42x 64 h 3x 1 243
¦ 7 µ́ 49 3 81
i 23x 1 64

6.6 Sc
Scientific notation
It is common in the practical world to be working with very large or very small numbers. For example, the
number of cubic metres of concrete used to build the Hoover Dam in the United States was 3 400 000 m3 and
the mass of a molecule of water is 0.0000000000000000000000299 grams. Such numbers can be written
more efficiently using powers of 10 with positive or negative indices. This is called scientific notation or
standard form. The number is written using a number between 1 inclusive and 10 and this is multiplied by a
power of 10. Such notation is also used to state very large and very small time intervals.
At the time of construction, the Hoover Dam was the largest concrete structure in the world.
Let’s start: Building scientific notation

Use the information given to complete the table.
Decimal form Working Scientific notation
2 350 000 2.35 r 1 000 000 2.35 r 106
502 170
314 060 000
2.98
0.000298 2.98 ÷ 10000 = 2.98 r 10 4
104
0.000004621
0.003082
s Discuss how each number using scientific notation is formed.

s When are positive indices used and when are negative indices used?
s Where does the decimal point appear to be placed when using scientific notation?

Numbers written in scientific notation are expressed in the form a r 10m where 1 a a 10
Key ideas
■
and m is an integer.
■ Large numbers will use positive powers of 10.
For example: 38 million years 38 000 000 years
3.8 r 107 years
■ Small numbers will use negative powers of 10.
For example: 417 nanoseconds 0.000000417 seconds
4.17 r 10 7 seconds
■ To write numbers using scientific notation, place the decimal point after the first non-zero
digit then multiply by a power of 10.
■ Examples of units where very large or small numbers may be used:
s 2178 km 2 178 000 m 2.178 r 106 metres
s 4517 centuries 451 700 years 4.517 r 105 years
s 12 million years 12 000 000 years 12 r 106 or 1.2 r 107 years
s 2320 tonnes 2320 r 103 kg 2.32 r 106 kg
s 27 microns (millionth of a metre) = 0.000027 m = 27 r 10 6 or 2.7 r 10 5 metres
s 109 milliseconds (thousandths of a second) 0.109 seconds 109 r 10 3 or
1.09 r 10 1 seconds
s 3.8 microseconds (millionth of a second) 0.0000038 3.8 r 10 6 seconds
s 54 nanoseconds (billionth of a second) 0.000000054 54 r 10 9 or 5.4 r 10 8 seconds
The big bang theory deals

with measurements from
microscopically small to
astronomically large, all
expressed conveniently in
scientific notation
Example 17 Writing numbers using scientific notation

Write the following in scientific notation.
a 4 500 000 b 0.0000004
a 4 500 000 4.5 r 106 Place the decimal point after the first non-zero digit
(4) then multiply by 106 since decimal place has been
moved 6 places to the left.
b 0.0000004 4.0 r 10 7 The first non-zero digit is 4. Multiply by 10 7 since

decimal place has been moved 7 places to the right.

Example 18 Writing numbers in decimal form

Express each of the following in decimal form.
a 9.34 r 105 b 4.71 r 10 5
a 9.34 r 105 934 000 Move the decimal point 5 places to the right.
b 4.71 r 10 5 0.0000471 Move the decimal point 5 places to the left and insert
zeros where necessary.
Exercise 6F
Understanding
1 Which of the numbers 1000,
10 10 000 or 100 000 completes each equation?
a 6.2 r ______ 62 000 b 9.41 r ______ 9410
c 1.03 r ______ 103 000 d 3.2 v ______ 0.0032
e 5.16 v ______ 0.0000516 f 1.09 v ______ 0.000109
2 Write the following as powers of 10.

a 100 000 b 100 c 1 000 000 000
3 If these numbers were written using scientific notation, would positive or negative indices be
used?
a 2000 b 0.0004 c 19 300 d 0.00101431
Fluency
Example 17a 4 Write the following in scientific notation.
a 40 000 b 2 300 000 000 000 c 16 000 000 000
d -7 200 000 e -3500 f -8 800 000
g 52 hundreds h 3 million i 21 thousands
Example 17b 5 Write the following in scientific notation.

a 0.000003 b 0.0004 c -0.00876
d 0.00000000073 e -0.00003 f 0.000000000125
g -0.00000000809 h 0.000000024 i 0.0000345
6 Write each of the following numbers in scientific notation.

a 6000 b 720 000 c 324.5 d 7869.03
e 8459.12 f 0.2 g 0.000328 h 0.00987
i -0.00001 j -460 100 000 k 17 467 l -128
Example 18a 7 Express each of the following in decimal form.

a 5.7 r 104 b 3.6 r 106 c 4.3 r 108
d 3.21 r 10 7
e 4.23 r 105 f 9.04 r 1010
g 1.97 r 108 h 7.09 r 102 i 6.357 r 105

Example 18b 8 Express each of the following in decimal form.
Fluency
a 1.2 r 10 4 b 4.6 r 10 6 c 8 r 10 10
5
d 3.52 r 10 e 3.678 r 10 1 f 1.23 r 10 7
g 9 r 10 5 h 5 r 10 2 i 4 r 10 1
Problem-solving
9 Express each of the following approximate numbers
using scientific notation.
a The mass of Earth is
6 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 kg.
b The diameter of Earth is 40 000 000 m.
c The diameter of a gold atom is 0.0000000001 m.
d The radius of Earth’s orbit around the Sun is
150 000 000 km.
e The universal constant of gravitation is
0.0000000000667 Nm2/kg2.
f The half-life of polonium-214 is 0.00015 seconds. Image of gold atoms formed by a very
g Uranium-238 has a half-life of 4 500 000 000 years. powerful electron microscope.
10 Express each of the following in decimal form.

a Neptune is approximately 4.6 r 109 km from Earth.
b A population of bacteria contained 8 r 1012 organisms.
c The Moon is approximately 3.84 r 105 km from Earth.
d A fifty-cent coin is approximately 3.8 r 10 3 m thick.
e The diameter of the nucleus of an atom is approximately 1 r 10 14 m.
f The population of a city is 7.2 r 105.
Earth is about 3.84 r 105 km from the Moon.

11 Write the following using scientific notation in the units given in the brackets.
Problem-solving
Recall: 1 second 1000 milliseconds
1 millisecond 1000 microseconds
1 microsecond 1000 nanoseconds
a 3 million years (months) b 0.03 million years (months)
c 492 milliseconds (seconds) d 0.38 milliseconds (seconds)
e 2.1 microseconds (seconds) f 0.052 microseconds (seconds)
g 4 nanoseconds (seconds) h 139.2 nanoseconds (seconds)
i 39.5 centuries (years) j 438 decades (years)
k 430 tonnes (kg) l 0.5 kg (grams)
m 2.3 hours (milliseconds) n 5 minutes (nanoseconds)
12 When Sydney was planning for the 2000 Olympic Games, the Olympic Organising Committee
made the following predictions:
s The cost of staging the games would be A$1.7 billion ($1.7 r 109) (excluding
infrastructure). In fact, $140 million extra was spent on staging the games.
s The cost of constructing or upgrading infrastructure would be $807 million.
Give each of the following answers in scientific notation.
a The actual total cost of staging the Olympic Games.
b The total cost of staging the games and constructing or upgrading the infrastructure.
Sydney Olympic Stadium
13 Two planets are 2.8 r 108 km and 1.9 r 109 km from their closest sun. What is the difference
between these two distances in scientific notation?
14 Two particles weigh 2.43 r 10 2 g and 3.04 r 10 3 g. Find the difference in their weight in
scientific notation.

Reasoning
15 The number 47 r 104 is not written using scientific notation since 47 is not a number between 1
and 10. The following shows how to convert to scientific notation.
47 r 104 4.7 r 10 r 104
4.7 r 105
Write these numbers using scientific notation.
a 32 r 103 b 41 r 105 c 317 r 102 d 5714 r 102
e 0.13 r 105 f 0.092 r 103 g 0.003 r 108 h 0.00046 r 109
3 2 6
i 61 r 10 j 424 r 10 k 1013 r 10 l 490 000 r 10 1
m 0.02 r 10 3 n 0.0004 r 10 2 o 0.00372 r 10 1 p 0.04001 r 10 6
16 Use index law 3: (am)n am r n and index law 5: (a r b)m am r bm to simplify these numbers.
Then write your answer in scientific notation where necessary.
a (2 r 102)3 b (3 r 104)2 c (2.5 r 10 2)2 d (1.5 r 10 3)3
2 1
¤1 2³ ¤2 ³
e (2 r 10 ) 3 3
f (5 r 10 ) 4 2
g ¥¦ 3 r 10 µ́ h ¥ r 10 4
¦5 µ́
Enrichment: Scientific notation with index laws

17 Use index laws to simplify these and write using scientific notation.
a (3 r 102) r (2 r 104) b (4 r 104) r (2 r 107)
6 2
c (8 r 10 ) v (4 r 10 ) d (9 r 1020) v (3 r 1011)
e (7 r 102) r (8 r 102) f (1.5 r 103) r (8 r 104)
4 2
g (6 r 10 ) v (0.5 r 10 ) h (1.8 r 106) v (0.2 r 103)
i (3 r 10 4) r (3 r 10 5) j (15 r 10 2) v (2 r 106)
3
k (4.5 r 10 ) v (3 r 10 ) 2
l (8.8 r 10 1) v (8.8 r10 1)
18 Determine, using index laws, how long it takes for light to travel from the Sun to Earth in
seconds given that Earth is 1.5 r 108 km from the Sun and the speed of light is 3 r 105 km/s.
19 Using index laws and the fact that the speed of light is equal to 3 r 105 km/s, determine:
a how far light travels in one nanosecond (1 r 10 9 seconds). Answer in scientific notation in
km then convert your answer to cm.
b how long light takes to travel 300 kilometres. Answer in seconds.

6.7 Sc
Scientific notation using significant figures
The number of digits used to record measurements
depends on how accurately the measurements can
be recorded. The volume of Earth, for example,
has been calculated as 1 083 210 000 000 km3. This
shows six significant figures and could be written
using scientific notation as 1.08321 r 1012. A more
accurate calculation may include more non-zero
digits in the last seven places.
The mass of a single oxygen molecule is
known to be 0.000000000000000000000000053 g.
This shows two significant figures and is written
using scientific notation as 5.3 r 10 26. On many
calculators you will notice that very large or
very small numbers are automatically converted
to scientific notation using a certain number of
significant figures. Numbers can also be entered into
a calculator using scientific notation.
The accuracy of a measurement of the volume of Earth
depends in part on the number of significant figures.
Let’s start: Significant discussions

Begin a discussion regarding scientific figures by referring to these questions.
s Why is the volume of Earth given as 1 083 210 000 000 km3 written using seven zeros at the end of
the number? Wouldn’t the exact mass of Earth include some other digits in these places?
s Why is the mass of an oxygen molecule given as 5.3 r 10 26 written using only two digits to the left of
the power of 10? Wouldn’t the exact mass of a water molecule include more decimal places?
Significant figures are counted from left to right starting at the first non-zero digit. Zeros
Key ideas
with no non-zero digit on their right are not counted. For example:
s 38 041 000 has five significant figures
s 0.0016 has two significant figures
s 3.21 r 104 has three significant figures.
■ When using scientific notation the first significant figure sits to the left of the decimal point.
■ Calculators can be used to work with scientific notation.
s E or EE or EXP are common key names on calculators.
s Pressing 2.37 EE 5 gives 2.37 r 105.
s 2.37E5 means 2.37 r 105.

Example 19 Stating the number of significant figures

State the number of significant figures given in these numbers.
a 451 000 b 0.005012 c 3.2 r 107
a 3 significant figures Do not count the group of zeros to the right.
b 4 significant figures Start counting at the first non-zero digit.
c 2 significant figures With scientific notation the first significant figure is to the left
of the decimal point.
Example 20 Writing numbers in scientific notation using significant figures

Write these numbers using scientific notation and three significant figures.
a 2 183 000 b 0.0019482
a 2 183 000 2.18 r 10 6
Put the decimal point after the first non-zero digit. The decimal
point has moved 6 places so multiply by 106. Round the third
significant figure down since the following digit is less than 5.
b 0.0019482 1.95 r 10 3 Move the decimal point 3 places to the right and multiply
by 10 3. Round the third significant figure up to 5 since the
following digit is greater than 4.
Example 21 Using a calculator with scientific notation

Use a calculator to evaluate each of the following, leaving your answers in scientific notation correct to
four significant figures.
a 3.67 r 105 r 23.6 r 104 b 7.6 r 10 3 2.4 r 10 2
a 3.67 r 105 r 23.6 r 104 Use a calculator with the key sequence shown.
8.661 r 1010 Write in scientific notation with four
Graphics or CAS calculator significant figures.
Use a calculator with the key sequence shown.

b 7.6 r 10 3 2.4 r 10 2
Write in scientific notation with a number
0.1625
between 1 and 10.
1.625 r 10–1
Graphics or CAS calculator

Exercise 6G
Understanding
1 Complete the tables, rounding
roun each number to the given number of significant figures.
a 57 263 b 4 170 162
Significant figures Rounded number Significant figures Rounded number
4 5
3 57 300 4
2 3 4 170 000
1 2
1
c 0.0036612 d 24.8706
Significant figures Rounded number Significant figures Rounded number
4 5
3 4
2 3
1 0.004 2 25
1
2 Decide if the following numbers are written using scientific notation with three significant
figures. (Yes or no).
a 4.21 r 104 b 32 r 10 3 c 1800 r 106
10
d 0.04 r 10 2
e 1.89 r 10 f 9.04 r 10 6
g 5.56 r 10 14 h 0.213 r 102 i 26.1 r 10 2
Fluency
Example 19 3 State the number of significant figures given in these numbers.
a 27 200 b 1007 c 301 010 d 190
e 0.0183 f 0.20 g 0.706 h 0.00109
i 4.21 r 103 j 2.905 r 10 2 k 1.07 r 10 6 l 5.90 r 105
Example 20 4 Write these numbers using scientific notation and three significant figures.
a 242 300 b 171 325 c 2829 d 3 247 000
e 0.00034276 f 0.006859 g 0.01463 h 0.001031
i 23.41 j 326.042 k 19.618 l 0.172046
5 Write each number using scientific notation rounding to the number of significant figures given
in the brackets.
a 47 760 (3) b 21 610 (2) c 4 833 160 (4)
d 37.16 (2) e 99.502 (3) f 0.014427 (4)
g 0.00201 (1) h 0.08516 (1) i 0.0001010 (1)

Example 21a 6 Use a calculator to evaluate each of the following, leaving your answers in scientific notation
Fluency
correct to four significant figures.
a 4 6 b 78 3
3.185
c (-7.3 r 10 4) 5 d
7 r 10 4
e 2.13 r 104 r 9 r 107 f 5.671 r 102 r 3.518 r 105
4
5
g 9.419 r 10 r 4.08 r 10 h 2.85 r 10 9 r 6 r 10 3
i 12 3452 j 87.148
26
1.8 r 10 -4.7 r 10 2 r 6.18 r 10 7
k l
4.5 r 10 22 3.2 r 106
Example 21b 7 Use a calculator to evaluate each of the following, leaving your answers in scientific notation
correct to five significant figures.
a 8756 b 634 r 7.56 r 10 7
c 8.6 r 105 2.8 r 10 2 d -8.9 r 10 4 7.6 r 10 3

5.12 r 10 21 5.23 r 10 20 8.942 r 10 47 6.713 r 10 44
e f
2 r 106 2.5 r 1019
2 r 10 7 3 r 108 4 r 108 7 r 10 9
g h
5 6
6.8 r 10 8 7.5 r 10 27 2.84 r 10 6 2.71 r 10 9
i j
4.1 r 10 27 5.14 r 10 6 7 r 10 8
Problem-solving
8 The mass of Earth is approximately 6 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 kg. Given that the
mass of the Sun is 330 000 times the mass of Earth, find the mass of the Sun. Express your
answer in scientific notation correct to three significant figures.
9 The diameter of Earth is approximately 12 756 000 m. If the Sun’s diameter is 109 times that of
Earth, compute its diameter in kilometres. Express your answer in scientific notation correct to
three significant figures.
Earth
Sun
The size of the Sun and Earth compared (distance of Earth to Sun is not to scale).

3
10 Using the formula for the volume of a sphere, V 4P r , and, assuming Earth to be spherical,
Problem-solving
3
calculate the volume of Earth in km3. Use the data given in Question 9. Express your answer in
scientific notation correct to three significant figures.
11 Write these numbers from largest to smallest.

2.41 r 106, 24.2 r 105, 0.239 r 107, 2421 r 103, 0.02 r 108
Reasoning
12 The following output is common on a number of different calculators and computers. Write
down the number that you think they represent.
a 4.26E6 b 9.1E-3 c 5.04EXP11
d 1.931EXP-1 e 2.1 06
f 6.14 11
13 Anton writes down 352 000 r 250 000 8.810. Explain his error.
14 a Round these numbers to three significant figures. Retain the use of scientific notation.
i 2.302 r 102 ii 4.9045 r 10 2 iii 3.996 r 106
b What do you notice about the digit which is the third significant figure?
c Why do you think that it might be important to a scientist to show a significant figure at the
end of a number which is a zero?
Enrichment: Combining bacteria

15 A flask of type A bacteria
contains 5.4 r 1012 cells and a
flask of type B bacteria contains
4.6 r 108 cells. The two types
of bacteria are combined in the
same flask.
a How many bacterial cells are
there in the flask?
b If type A bacterial cells
double every 8 hours and
type B bacterial cells triple
every 8 hours how many cells
are in the flask after:
i one day?
ii a week?
iii 30 days?
Express your answers in scientific notation correct to three significant figures.

6.8 Fr
Fractional indices and surds
So far we have considered indices including positive and negative integers and zero. Numbers can also be
1 1
expressed using fractional indices. Two examples are 9 2 and 5 3 .
1 1 1 1

Using index law 1: 9 2 r 9 2 9 2 2 91 9
1 1 1
Since 9 r 9 9 and 9 2 r 9 2 9 then 9 2 9 .
1 1 1 1 1 1

Similarly, 5 3 r 5 3 r 5 3 5 3 3 3 51 5 1 1 1 1
Since 3 5 r 3 5 r 3 5 5 and 5 3 r 5 3 r 5 3 5 then 5 3 3 5 .
This shows that numbers with fractional powers can be written using root signs. In the example above,
1
5 .
1
3
9 2 is the square root of 9 ( 9 ) and 5 3 is the cubed root of 5
1 1 1
3
You will have noticed that 9 2 9 3 and so 9 2 is a rational number (a fraction) but 5 3 3 5 does
1
not appear to be able to be expressed as a fraction. In fact, 3 5 is irrational and cannot be expressed as
a fraction and is called a surd. As a decimal 3 5 1.709 975 946 68..., which is an infinite non-recurring
decimal with no repeated pattern. This is a characteristic of all surds.
Let’s start: A surd or not?

Surds are numbers with a root sign that cannot be expressed as a fraction. As a decimal they are infinite
and non-recurring (with no pattern).
Use a calculator to help complete this table then decide if you think the numbers are surds.
Index form With root sign Decimal Surd (Yes or No)
1
2 2 2
1
4 2 4
1
2
11
1
36 2
1
12
9
1
(0.1) 2
1
3
33 3
1
3
8
83
1
3
15
1
¤ 1³3
¥¦ 27 µ́
1
54
1
64 6

Numbers written with fractional indices can also be written using a root sign.
Key ideas
■
1
m
s a m a
s 2 a is written a
1 1 1
For example: 3 2 3 , 7 3 3 7 , 2 5 5 2
■ Surds are irrational numbers written with a root sign. 2 1.41421356237…
s Irrational numbers cannot be expressed as a fraction. 3
10 2.15443469003…
s The decimal expansion is infinite and non-recurring 3 1.73205080757…
with no pattern.
Example 22 Writing numbers using a root sign

Write these numbers using a root sign.
1 1
a 62 b 25
1 1 1
a 62 6 a m m a so 6 2 2 6 (or 6) the square root of 6.
1
b 25 5 2 5
2 is called the 5th root of 2.
Example 23 Evaluating numbers with fractional indices

Evaluate:
1 1
a 144 2 b 27 3
1 1
a 144 2 144 a m m a where m 2 and the square root of
12 144 12 since 122 144.
1
b 27 3 3 27
3 The cubed root of 27 is 3 since 33 3 r 3 r 3 27
Example 24 Using index laws

Use index laws to simplify these expressions.
1
1 3 1
x2
a a2 r a2 b c (y2 ) 4
1
x3

1 3 1 3

a a2 r a2 a2 2
4 When multiplying indices with the same base add the

a2 powers.
a2
1
1 1
x2 When dividing indices with the same base, subtract the
b x2 3
1 powers.
x3 1 1 1 3 2 1
.
x6 2 3 6 6 6
1 1
2r
c (y2 ) 4 y 4 When raising a power to a power, multiply the indices.
1 2 1
y2
4 2
Exercise 6H
Understanding
1 Evaluate these numbers.
a 22 and 4 b 23 and 3 8 c 32 and 9
d 33 and 3 27 e 42 and 16 f 43 and 3 64
2 State whether or not the following are true or false.

a Rational numbers are fractions. b A surd is a rational number.
c A surd in decimal form will be infinite and non recurring (with no pattern).
1 1 1 1
d 3 32 e 8 83 f 53 5 g 10 6 10 6
3 Use a calculator to evaluate these surds and round to four decimal places.
1 1 1
a 7 2 (or 7) b 13 2 (or 13) c 83 2 (or 83)
Fluency
Example 22 4 Write these numbers using a root sign.

1 1 1 1
a 32 b 72 c 53 d 12 3
1 1 1 1
e 315 f 18 7 g 99 h 38
5 Write these numbers in index form.

3 3
a 8 b 19 c 10 d 31
4 5
e 5 f 9 g 8
11 h 11
20

Example 23 6 Without a calculator, evaluate these numbers with fractional indices.
Fluency
1 1 1 1
a 25 2 b 49 2 c 812 d 169 2
1 1 1 1
e 83 f 64 3 g 125 3 h 1000 3
1 1 1 1
i 16 4 j 814 k 625 4 l 32 5
Example 24 7 Use index laws to simplify these expressions. Leave your answer in index form.
1 1 1 1 2 4 1
a a2 r a2 b a3 r a3 c a3 r a3 d a2 r a 2
2 3 7 4
x3 x2 x6 x3
e 1
f 1
g 2
h 1
x3 x2 x6 x3
1 2 1 1 1
2 2 3 3
i (y ) j (y ) k ( y 2 )3 l (x 2 ) 2
2 2 1 3 1 2 10
4
m (x 3 ) n (a 5 ) 3 o (a 4 ) 2 p (n 5 ) 3
8 Use index laws to simplify these expressions.

1 1 1 2 3 7 2 1 4 2
a a r a3 b a2 r a5 c a3 r a7 d a5 v a 3 e b3 v b2 f x5 v x3
Problem-solving
9 Evaluate the following without a calculator. Hint: first rewrite each question using positive indices.
1 1 1 1

a 4 2 b 8 3 c 32 5 d 81 4
1 1 1 1

e 25 2 f 27 3 g 1000 3 h 256 4
2 1
10 Note that 8 3 (8 3 )2 using index law 3
1
3 2 3
( 8) since 8 3 8
3
2 2
8 2 since 23 8
4
Use the approach shown in the example above to evaluate these numbers.
2 2 3 3 5 5 3 5
a 27 3 b 64 3 c 92 d 25 2 e 16 4 f 42 g 812 h 125 3
11 Find the length of the hypotenuse (c) in these right angled triangles. Use Pythagoras’ theorem
(c2 a2 b2) and write your answer as a surd.
a b 3 c
c c
2 4
c 2
5 7
d c e 3 f
5 c
10
1 c
10 40

Reasoning
12 Show working to prove that the answers to all these questions simplify to 1. Remember a0 1.
1 1 2 2 4 4

a a2 r a 2 b a3 r a 3 c a7 r a 7
1
5 5 2
¤ 1³2 1
d a6 v a6 e f a 2 v (a 3 ) 3
¥ a2 ´ v a4
¦ µ
1
13 A student tries to evaluate 9 2 on a calculator and types 9^1/2 and gets 4.5. But you know that
1
9 2 9 3. What has the student done wrong? (Note: on some calculators is xy.)
i 32 ii 52 iii 10 2
b Simplify a 2 .
c Use fractional indices to show that a 2 a if a q 0.
d Evaluate the following.
i ( 4 )2 ii ( 9 )
2
iii ( 36 )
2
2
e Simplify ( a ) .
f Use fractional indices to show that ( a )2 a. Assume a q 0.
g Simplify:
3 5 3 3 6 6
i a3 ii a5 iii ( a ) iv ( a )
Enrichment: Fractions raised to fractions

1
¤ 4³ 2 4 2 2 2 4
15 Note, for example, that ¥ since r . Now evaluate the following.
¦ 9 µ́ 9 3 3 3 9
1 1 1 1
¤ 16 ³ 2 ¤ 9 ³2 ¤ 4 ³2 ¤ 8 ³3
a ¥ b ¥ c ¥¦ 81µ́ d ¥
¦ 25 µ́ ¦ 49 µ́ ¦ 27 µ́
1 1 1 1
¤ 64 ³ 3 ¤ 16 ³ 4 ¤ 256 ³ 4 ¤ 1000 ³ 3
e ¥ f ¥¦ 81µ́ g ¥¦ 625 µ́ h ¥
¦ 125 µ́ ¦ 343 µ́
1

¤ 4³ 2 1 1 1 3
16 Note that ¥ . Now evaluate the following.
¦ 9 µ́ 1
4 ¤ 2³ 2
¤ 4³ 2 ¥¦ 3 µ́
¥¦ 9 µ́ 9
1 1 1 1

¤ 9³ 2 ¤ 49 ³ 2 ¤ 8 ³ 3 ¤ 1296 ³ 4
a ¥ b ¥ c ¥¦ 125 µ́ d ¥
¦ 4 µ́ ¦ 144 µ́ ¦ 625 µ́

6.9 Si
Simple operations with surds
Since surds, such as 2 and 7, are numbers, they can be added, subtracted, multiplied or divided.
Expressions with surds can also be simplified but this depends on the surds themselves and the types of
operations that sit between them.
2 3 cannot be simplified since 2 and 3 are not ‘like’ surds. This is like trying to simplify x y.
However, 2 5 2 simplifies to 6 2 and this is like simplifying x 5x 6x. Subtraction of surds is
treated in the same manner.
Products and quotients involving surds can also be simplified as in these examples:
11 r 2 22 and 30 v 3 10
Let’s start: Rules for multiplication and division

Use a calculator to find a decimal approximation for each of the expressions in these pairs.
s 2 r 3 and 6
s 10 r 5 and 50
What does this suggest about the simplification of a r b ?
Repeat the above exploration for these.

6
s 6v 2 and
2
80
s 80 v 8 and
8
What does this suggest about the simplification of a v b ?
Surds can be simplified using addition or subtraction if they are ‘like’ surds.
Key ideas
s 2 3 3 3 5 3
s 11 7 2 7 9 7
s 3 5 cannot be simplified.
■ ( a )2 a
■ a r b ab
For example: 5 r 3 5 r 3 15
a
■ av b
b
10
For example: 10 v 5 2
5

Example 25 Adding and subtracting surds

Simplify:
a 2 56 5 b 3 5 3
a 2 56 5 8 5 This is like simplifying 2x 6x 8x. 2 5 and 6 5

contain like surds.
b This is similar to x – 5x -4x in algebra.

3 5 3 -4 3
Example 26 Multiplying and dividing surds

Simplify:
a 3 r 10 b 24 v 8
a 3 r 10 3 r 10 Use a r b ab
30
24 a
b 24 v 8 Use a v b
8 b
3
Exercise 6I Understanding
1 Decide if the following pairs

p of numbers contain ‘like’ surds.
a 3 2, 4 2 b 5 3, 2 3 c 4 2, 5 7 d 3, 2 5
e 6 6, 3 3 f 8, 3 8 g 19 2 , - 2 h -3 6 , 3 5
2 a Use a calculator to find a decimal approximation for both 5 r 2 and 10 .

What do you notice?
b Use a calculator to find a decimal approximation for both 7 r 3 and 21.
What do you notice?
c Use a calculator to find a decimal approximation for both 15 v 5 and 3.
What do you notice?
d Use a calculator to find a decimal approximation for both 60 v 10 and 6.
What do you notice?

Fluency
Example 25 3 Simplify by collecting like surds.
a 3 75 7 b 2 11 6 11 c 5 8 5
d 3 6 6 e 3 32 54 3 f 5 7 3 54 7
g 3 5 8 5 h 6 7 10 7 i 3 7 2 7 4 7
j 5 14 14 7 14 k 3 2 54 2 l 6 3 2 7 3 3
Example 26 4 Simplify:
a 5r 6 b 3r 7 c 10 r 7
d 8r 2 e 12 r 3 f 2 r 11
g 3r 3 h 12 r 12 i 36 v 12
j 20 v 2 k 42 v 6 l 60 v 20
m 45 v 5 n 32 v 2 o 49 v 7
Problem-solving
5 Simplify:
a 2 3 6 2 3 b 2 35 2 c 7 5 2 1 2
2 2 7 7 2 6 6
d e f
3 2 2 5 7 2
10 2 3 2 8 5 8
g 10 h 5 3 i
3 3 7 8
6 Note, for example, that 2 3 r 5 2 2 r 5 r 3 r 2

10 6
Now simplify the following.
a 5 2 r3 3 b 3 7 r2 3
c 4 5 r2 6 d 2 6 r5 3
e 10 6 v 5 2 f 18 12 v 6 2
g 20 28 v 5 2 h 6 14 v 12 7
7 Expand and simplify.

a 2 3 (3 5 1) b 5( 2 3)
c 5 6 ( 2 3 5) d 7 10 (2 3 10 )
e 13 ( 13 2 3 ) f 5( 7 2 5)

Reasoning
8 Using ab a r b , the surd 18 can be simplified as shown.
18 9 r 2
9r 2
3 2
This simplification is possible because 18 has a factor that is a perfect square (9). Use this
technique to simplify these surds.
a 8 b 12 c 27 d 45
e 75 f 200 g 60 h 72
9 Building on the idea discussed in Question 8, expressions like 8 2 can be simplified as

shown:
8 2 4r2 2
2 2 2
2
Now simplify these expressions.
a 83 2 b 3 2 8 c 18 2 d 5 3 2 12
e 4 8 2 2 f 27 2 3 g 3 45 7 5 h 6 12 8 3
Enrichment: Binomial products

10 Simplify the following by using the rule (a b)(c d) ac ad bc bd.
a ( 2 3 )( 2 5 ) b ( 3 5 )( 3 2 )
c (2 5 1)(3 2 4) d (1 3 7 )(2 3 2 )
e (2 3 )(2 3 ) f ( 5 1)( 5 1)
g (3 2 3 )(3 2 3 ) h (8 2 5 )(8 2 5 )
i (1 2 )2 j ( 6 3)2
2
k (2 3 1) l ( 2 2 5 )2

Investigation
Cell growth
Many cellular organisms reproduce by a process of subdivision.
A single cell, for example, may divide into two every hour as
shown at right. After another hour, the single starting cell has
become four:
A cell dividing in two

Dividing into two
A single cell divides into two every hour.
a How many cells will there be after the following number of hours? Explain how you obtained
your answers.
i 1 ii 2 iii 5
b Complete the table showing the number of cells after n hours.

n hours 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of cells, N 1 2 4
0 1
N in index form 2 2 22
c Write a rule for the number of cells N after n hours.
d Use your rule from part c to find the number of cells after:
i 8 hours ii 12 hours iii 2 days
e Find how long it takes for a single cell to divide into a total of:
i 128 cells ii 1024 cells iii 65 536 cells
Dividing into three or more

a Complete a table similar to the table in the previous section for a cell that divides into 3 every hour.
b Write a rule for N in terms of n if a cell divides into 3 every hour. Then use the rule to find the
number of cells after:
i 2 hours ii 4 hours iii 8 hours
c Write a rule for N in terms of n if a single cell divides into the following number of cells every hour.
i 4 ii 5 iii 10

Cell cycle times

a If a single cell divides into two every 20 minutes investigate how many cells there will be after
4 hours.
b If a single cell divides into three every 10 minutes investigate how many cells there will be after
2 hours.
c Use the internet to research the cell cycle time and the types of division for at least two different
types of cells. Describe the cells and explain the reproductive process.
Constructing surds
Since surds are not fractions it is difficult to precisely measure a length representing a surd.
Pythagoras’ theorem can however be used to construct lengths which represent surds.
Using Pythagoras’ theorem

Use Pythagoras’ theorem to find the hypotenuse (c) in these triangles.
a b c c 6
c 1 3
1
3 c
1
Constructing surds
Show how you can use a single triangle to construct a hypotenuse with the following length. The
lengths of the shorter sides have to be whole numbers.
a 5 b 13 c 26
Combined triangles
The diagram below shows how you can construct the surd 3.
2
1 c2 12 ( 2 )
c 12
2 3 1
1
c 3
1
1
x 3
a Copy this diagram (right) to find the value of x.
2
1
b Show how you can add other triangles to construct a line segment with the
following lengths. 1
i 5 ii 6 iii 7
c Using compasses, draw exact right-angles and transfer exact lengths to a number line. Mark these
exact lengths on a number line.
i 2 ii 3 iii - 5 iv - 7

1 Determine the last digit of each of the following without using a calculator.
Challenges
a 2222 b 3300 c 687
2 Determine the smallest value of n such that:

a 24n is a square number
b 750n is a square number.
2

¤ 32 ³ 5
3 Simplify ¥ without a calculator.
¦ 243 µ́
4 If 2x t, express the following in terms of t:

a 22x 1 b 21 x
5 A single cell divides in two every 5 minutes and each new cell continues to divide every
5 minutes. How long does it take for the cell population to reach at least 1 million?
1
6 Find the value of x if 33 x 1 .
27
7 a Write the following in index form
i 2 2 ii 2 2 2 iii 2 2 2 2
b What value do your answers to part a appear to be approaching?
8 Determine the highest power of 2 that divides exactly into 2 000 000.
9 Simplify these surds.

1
a 5 8 18 b 2 c ( 2 3 5 )2 ( 2 3 5 )2
2
10 Prove that:
1 2 3 1
a b 3 c 2 1
2 2 3 2 1
11 Solve for x. There are two solutions for each.
a 22x 3 r 2x 2 0 b 32x 12 r 3x 27 0

Index laws 4 and 5 Zero power Index law 3
Chapter summary
Law 4: (ab)m = a mb m a0 =1 Law 3: (am )n = amn
e.g. (3x 2)3 = 33 (x 2)3 Any number (except ) to the To expand brackets,
= 27x 6 power 0 equals 1. multiply indices.
a
m
am e.g. 3x 0 = 3 × 1 e.g. (x 2)5 = x 2×5
Law 5: =
b bm =3 = x10
e.g. x 4
= x4 (3x )0 = 1
2 24
x4
= 16
Index form
Negative indices am index
1
base
a–m = e.g. 23 = 2 × 2 × 2
am
e.g. 2x –3 = 2
× 13 34 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3
1 x a × b × a × b × b = a 2b 3
2
=
x3
1
= am
a–m
Index laws 1 and 2
e.g. 1 –2 = (2x)2
(2x) Law 1: a m × a n = a m+n
= 4x 2 When multiplying terms with
the same base, add indices.
e.g. x 3 × x 5 = x 3+5
= x8
Scientific notation Law 2: a ÷ a n = am–n
m
In scientific notation, very large or very Indices and When dividing terms with the
same base, subtract indices.
small numbers are written in the form surds x7
a × 10m where 1 < _ a < 10 e.g. = x 7–4
x4
Large numbers will use positive powers = x3
of 10.
e.g. 2 350 000 kg = 2.35 × 106 kg
Small numbers will use negative
powers of 10. Fractional indices
e.g. 16 nanoseconds 1
n
= 0.000000016 s a n = a
= 1.6 × 10-8 seconds 1
e.g. a2 = a
1
3
a3 = a
1
e.g. 25 2
= 25 = 5
2
since 5 = 25
Operations with surds
1
3
‘Like’ surds can be added or subtracted. 8 3 = 8 = 2
37 and 57 are ‘like surds’ since 23 = 8
e.g. 37 + 42 + 57 = 87 + 42
a × b = ab
e.g. =
3 × 7 3 × 7 = 21
Surds

aa
= a A surd is a nu
number
ummbber written with a
b
b root sign
sign
iggn which
w ic
wh ich hass a decimal
e.g. 20
20 ex
xpansion that
expansion thhatt is
is infini
iinfinite
in
n ni
nite
t and
=

5 5
non-recurring
non-recu urrin
ingg with
in with
wi thh no pattern.
pattern.
=
4 = 2 e.g.
2 = 11.41421356...
.41421356...

Multiple-choice questions
1 3x7 r 4x4 is equivalent to:
A 12x7 B 12x28 C 7x11 D 12x11 E 7x3
2 3(2y2)0 simplifies to:

A 6 B 3 C 6y2 D 3y E 12
3 (2x2)3 expands to:

A 2x5 B 2x6 C 6x6 D 8x5 E 8x6
x5y2
4 2x3 y r simplifies to:
4x2 y
x6 y 2 x4 y2
A B 2x8y C 2x6y2 D E 8x6y
2 2
3
¤ -x 2 y ³
5 ¥ 4 ´ is equal to:
¦ 3z µ
x6 y3 -x 5 y 4 -x 6 y 3 -x 2 y 3 x6 y3
A B C D E
3z12 9z 7 27 z12 3z12 9 z12
6 2x 3y4 expressed with positive indices is:

y4 2y4 2 y4
A B C -2x3y4 D 3 4 E
2x3 x3 x y 8x3
3
7 is equivalent to:
(2 x ) 2
-3 2 2
A B 6x2 C 3x D 12x2 E -3 x
(2 x ) 2 2 4
8 The weight of a cargo crate is 2.32 r 104 kg. In expanded form this weight in kilograms is:
A 2 320 000 B 232 C 23 200 D 0.000232 E 2320
9 0.00032761 in scientific notation rounded to three significant figures is:

A 328 r 10 5 B 3.27 r 10 4 C 3.28 r 104 D 3.30 r 104 E 3.28 r 10 4
1
10 36 2
is equal to:
A 18 B 6 C 1296 D 9 E 81
11 The simplified form of 2 7 3 4 7 is:

A -2 7 3 B 3 7 C 6 7 3 D 7 E 8 7 3
12 3 r 7 is equivalent to:
A 21 B 10 C 2 10 D 10 21 E 21 10

Short-answer questions
1 Express each of the following in index form.
a 3r3r3r3 b 2rxrxrxryry
b 3 3 3 1 1
c 3rararar rb d r r r r
a 5 5 5 7 7
2 Write the following as a product of prime factors in index form.

a 45 b 300
3 Simplify using index laws 1 and 2.

1 3
a x3 r x7 b 2a3b r 6a2b5c c 3m2n r 8m5n3 r m
2
5a6 b3
d a12 v a3 e x5y3 v x2y f
10 a8 b
4 Simplify:
a (m2)3 b (3a4)2 c (-2a2b)5
3
¤ a2 ³
d 3a b 0
e 2(3m) 0
f ¥ 3´
¦ µ
5 Express each of the following with positive indices.

a x 3 b 4t 3 c (3t) 2
3
2 2 3 ¤ x2 ³ 5
d x y e 5¥ ´ f
3 ¦ y 1 µ m 3
6 Fully simplify each of the following.

4
5 x8 y 12 ( x 2 y 5 )2 ¤ (3 x )0 ³ 9 y10 ( 4 m 2 n3 ) 2 mn5
a r b ¥ 0 2 ´ r 3 c v
x10 10 ¦ 3x y µ x 2m 5 n 4 ( m 3 n 2 )3
7 Arrange the following numbers in ascending order:

2.35, 0.007 r 102, 0.0012, 3.22 r 10 1, 0.4, 35.4 r 10 3.
8 Write the following numbers in scientific notation in decimal form.

a 3.24 r 102 b 1.725 r 105 c 2.753 r 10 1 d 1.49 r 10 3
9 Write each of the following values in scientific notation using three significant figures.
a The population of Australia during 2010 was projected to be 22 475 056
b The area of the USA is 9 629 091 km2
c The time taken for light to travel 1 metre (in a vacuum) is 0.00000000333564 seconds
d The wavelength of ultraviolet light from a fluorescent lamp is 0.000000294 m.

10 Write each of the following values using scientific notation in the units given in brackets.
a 25 years (hours) b 12 milliseconds (seconds)
c 432 nanoseconds (seconds) d 5 tonnes (grams)
11 Use a calculator to evaluate the following, giving your answer in scientific notation correct to two
significant figures.
a ms r me where ms (mass of Sun) 1.989 r 1030 kg and me (mass of Earth) 5.98 r 1024 kg.
b The speed, v, in m/s of an object of mass m 2 r 10 3 kg and kinetic energy
2E
E 1.88 r 10 12 joules where v .
m
12 Evaluate without using a calculator.
1
3
a 4
16 b 125 c 49 2
1 1 1

d 814 e 27 3 f 121 2
13 Simplify the following expressing all answers in positive index form.

1
3 6
a s b 81t 3 c 3 x 2 r 5x2
1
1 1 t
4 (a 2 ) 4
d (3m 2 n2)2 rm 4 e f r
2 t 1 a
a3
14 Simplify the following operations with surds.
a 8 7 72 b 2 35 2 34 2 c 8r 8
d 5r 3 e 2 7r 2 f 3 2 r 5 11
g 42 v 7 h 2 75 v 3 i 50 v (2 10 )
Extended-response questions
1 Simplify each of the following using a combination of index laws.
( 4 x 2 y )3 r x 2 y 2a 3 b 4 20 a
a b r
12( xy ) 2 2
(5a )3 2
3b 4
1 1
(5m 4 n 3 )2 5(m 1n) 2 (8 x 4 ) 3 (3 x 3 )2
c v d r
m 1n2 mn 4 2( y 3 )0 1
3( x 2 ) 2

Gm1m2
2 The law of gravitational force is given by F where F is the magnitude of the
d2
gravitational force (in newtons, N) between two objects of mass m1 and m2 (in kilograms) a
distance d (metres) apart. G is the universal gravitational constant which is approximately
6.67 r 10 11 Nm2kg 2.
a If two objects of masses 2 kg and 4 kg are 3 m apart, calculate the gravitational force F between
them. Answer in scientific notation correct to three significant figures.
b The average distance between Earth and the Sun is approximately 149 597 870 700 m.
i Write this distance in scientific notation with three significant figures.
ii Hence, if the mass of Earth is approximately 5.98 r 1024 kg and the mass of the Sun is
approximately 1.99 r 1030, calculate the gravitational force between them in scientific
notation to three significant figures.
c The universal gravitational constant, G, is constant throughout the universe. However,
acceleration due to gravity (a, units ms 2) varies according to where you are in the solar
Gm
system. Using the formula a 2 and the following table, workout and compare the
r
acceleration due to gravity on Earth and on Mars. Answer to three significant figures.
Planet Mass, m Radius, r
24
Earth 5.98 r 10 kg 6.375 r 106 m
Mars 6.42 r 1023 kg 3.37 r 106 m


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326 Chapter

p 6 Indices and surds

2 a List the factors of 24.

3 Write each of the following in index form (as a power).

4 Write each of the following as 2 raised to a single power.

5 Simplify the following by removing brackets.

8 State the number of significant figures in each of the following.

9 Complete the following.

10 Complete the following.

11 Simplify by collecting like terms.

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Let’s start: Who has the most?

Indices (plural of index) can be Expanded form Index form

used to represent a product of the 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 r 2  25  32

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 1 Writing in expanded form

Example 2 Expanding and evaluating

Example 3 Writing in index form

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 4 Finding the prime factor form

2 Write the number or variable that is the base in these expressions.

4 Write the prime factors of these numbers.

Example 1 5 Write each of the following in expanded form.

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 3a 7 Write each of the following in index form.

Example 3b 8 Write each of the following in index form.

11 If a  3, b  2 and c  -3, evaluate these expressions.

12 Find the missing number.

13 Bacteria cells split in 2 every 5 minutes. New cells also

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

17 a Evaluate the following.

Enrichment: LCM and HCF from prime factorisation

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

So the total number of factors of a is m n.

Let’s start: Discovering laws 1 and 2

Index law 1: am r an  am n

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 5 Using laws 1 and 2 with numbers

Example 6 Using index law 1

Example 7 Using index law 2

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 8 Combining index laws 1 and 2

3 Decide if these statements are true or false.

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

8 Simplify each of the following.

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

14 Simplify these expressions using the given variables.

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

But using index law number 2: am v am  am m

Index law 3: (am)n  amn

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 9 Using index law 3

Example 10 Using the zero power

Example 11 Combining index laws

4 x 2 r 3x3 12 x 5 Simplify the numerator first by multiplying

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

2 Write the missing numbers in these tables.

3 Copy and complete this working.

Example 10 5 Evaluate each of the following.

i 5m0 j -3p0 k 6x0 − 2x0 l -5n0 − (8n)0

ISBN 978-0-521-17865-5 © Greenwood et al. 2011 Cambridge University Press

Example 11b 7 Simplify each of the following.

a Find the number of rabbits at:

11 Evaluate these without using a calculator.

used to represent a product of the 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 r 2 25 32

11 If a 3, b 2 and c -3, evaluate these expressions.

Index law 1: am r an amn

But using index law number 2: am v am am m

Index law 3: (am)n amn

For example: 82 (23)2

Index law 4: (a r b)m (ab)m ambm

8 Find the value of a that makes these equations true, given a 0.

b 0.0000004 4.0 r 10 7 The first non-zero digit is 4. Multiply by 10 7 since