Key learning points

1. The commutative law allows the product of two numbers represented in standard form to be easily calculated.
2. Using your knowledge of the index laws, you can combine powers with the same base.
3. Standard form calculations can be done using a calculator.

Keywords

• Standard form - Standard form is when a number is written in the form A × 10n, (where 1 ≤ A < 10 and n is an integer).

• Exponential form - When a number is multiplied by itself multiple times, it can be written more simply in exponential form.

• Commutative - The commutative law states you can write the values of a calculation in a different order without changing the calculation; the result is still the same. It applies in addition and multiplication.

• Associative - The associative law states that it doesn't matter how you group or pair values (i.e. which we calculate first), the result is still the same. It applies for addition and multiplication.

Common misconception