Multiply and Divide Indices

This activity is about multiplying and dividing indices.

Example

a⁴ x a²

= ( a x a x a x a) x (a x a)

= a⁴⁺² = a⁶

To multiply terms containing the same letter in index form, we simply add the powers.

Example 2

y⁷ x y³

= y⁷⁺³

= y¹⁰

To divide terms containing the same letter in index form, we need to subtract the powers.

Example

y⁸ ÷ y³

= y^8-3

= y⁵

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?