Index Laws Whenever we have variables which contain exponents and have equal bases, we can do certain mathematical operations to them. Those operations are called the “Index Laws” b x b = basex = exponent
Index Laws
Other Properties of Exponents Any single number or variable is always to the first power
Basic Examples
More Examples
nth Roots An nth root of number a is a number whose nth power is a. a number whose nth power is a If the index n is even, then the number a must be nonnegative. is not a real number
Square Root of x 2 Page 393
When n Is Even
Exponent 1/n When n Is Odd
Rational Exponents
Evaluating in Either Order
Negative Rational Exponents
Evaluating a -m/n
Rules for Rational Exponents 7-6
Simplifying
Simplifying
Simplifying
Multiplying Radicals – Different Indices
Different Indices
Rational Exponents Eliminate the root, then the power
Eliminate the Root, Then the Power
Negative Exponents
Eliminate the root, then the power
Negative Exponents Eliminate the root, then the power
Using the index templates on your CAS calculator:
No Solution Eliminate the root, then the power