Junior Cycle · Number Theory ⏱ Tested in 2 exam questions since 2022 Lesson 4 of 5

JCHL Number Theory 4: Powers

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You’ll learn

  • A power means how many times you multiply the base by itself (2³ = 2×2×2 = 8)
  • A square root is the power of one half; a cube root is the power of one third
  • Same base, multiplying → ADD the powers; same base, dividing → SUBTRACT the powers

Formula used

aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ

aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ

(aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ

These work only when the base is the SAME.

On page 21 of the log tables — read it off, don’t memorise.

Most recent exam questions

  • 2023 Q9(c)
  • 2022 Q7(a)(i)
  • 2022 Q7(a)(ii)
  • 2022 Q7(b)

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