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This activity is about simplifying algebraic powers.

 

Example

Simplify:

(a3)4

 

 

Answer

Remember what to the power of 4 means and multiply the terms 4 times.

 

We get:    

a3 × a3 × a3 × a3

 

Add the indices of identical letters (3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12).

Answer is a12.

 

A quicker method is to simply multiply together the two powers in the original term: 

 

3 x 4 = 12, so the answer is a12

 

Let's have a go at some questions now.

10 questions