The laws of indices - division
I can use the laws of indices to divide two powers where the bases are the same.
The laws of indices - division
I can use the laws of indices to divide two powers where the bases are the same.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- When dividing two terms, you can sometimes write this more simply.
- If the powers have the same base, then the powers can be combined into a single power.
- The exponent or index of the new power reflects this combination.
- By studying the structure of division, you can see how the index will change.
- a^b ÷ a^c = a^(b−c)
Keywords
Index - An exponent is a number positioned above and to the right of a base value. It indicates repeated multiplication. An alternative word for this is index (plural indices).
Coefficient - A numerical coefficient is a constant multiplier of the variables in a term.
Power - 16 is the fourth power of 2. Alternatively this can be written as 2^4 which is read as “2 to the power of 4”.
Common misconception
When dividing terms with coefficients, pupils also subtract the coefficients as well as the exponents.
Pupils should be encouraged to rewrite their expression as a fraction, with the number parts grouped and powers grouped. This hopefully avoids this error as they can see the fraction line as a division.
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: The laws of indices - division, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: The laws of indices - division, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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