Home / iGCSE Mathematics (0580) : C1.7 Understand the meaning of indices (fractional, negative and zero) and use the rules of indices. iGCSE Style Questions Paper 1

iGCSE Mathematics (0580) : C1.7 Understand the meaning of indices (fractional, negative and zero) and use the rules of indices. iGCSE Style Questions Paper 1

Question

(a) Write \( \frac{1}{2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2} \) as a power of 2.

(b) (i) \( 3^{18} \div 3^t = 3^6 \) Find the value of t.

(ii) Simplify \( 8w^{10} \times 6w^5 \).

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans:

(a) \( 2^{-5} \) (The denominator is \( 2^5 \), and \( \frac{1}{2^5} = 2^{-5} \))

(b)(i) t = 12 (Using laws of indices: 18 – t = 6 → t = 12)

(b)(ii) \( 48w^{15} \) (Multiply coefficients: 8×6=48; add exponents: 10+5=15)

Question

(a) Find the value of \(137^{0}\).

(b) \(7^{12}\div 7^{P}=7^{17}\)

Find the value of P.

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

(a) Ans: 1

Any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is always 1. This is a fundamental exponent rule.

Thus, \(137^{0} = 1\).

(b) Ans: \(-5\)

Using the exponent rule \(\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}\), we rewrite the equation:

\(7^{12-P} = 7^{17}\).

Since the bases are equal, the exponents must be equal: \(12 – P = 17\).

Solving for \(P\) gives \(P = 12 – 17 = -5\).

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