Indices

Indices are used to show numbers that have been multiplied by themselves. They can be used instead of the square root function. The rules of indices make complex sums which involve powers easier. 

Using Indices:  

An index number, or a power, is the small floating number that goes next to a number or letter. The plural of index number is indices. Index numbers show how many times a number or letter has been multiplied by itself.  

Example:

• a² (read as “a squared”) means a × a. a has been multiplied by itself twice. The index number, or power, here is 2.
• a³ (read as “a cubed”) means a × a × a. a has been multiplied by itself three times. The index number, or power, here is 3. 
• a⁴ (read as “a to the power of 4”) means a × a × a × a. a has been multiplied by itself four times. The index number, or power, here is 4.

There are 6 rules of Indices:

 

 

Example 1:

Simplify:

Solution:

Example 2:

Simplify:



Solution:



Example 3:

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