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Zero and Negative Integral Indices

This document discusses the definitions and laws of zero and negative integral indices. It begins by reviewing the laws of positive integral indices. It then defines a0 to equal 1 so that the laws still hold when m = n. Similarly, it defines an to equal 1/a^n so that the laws hold when m < n. Examples are provided to illustrate these definitions. The document concludes by stating that with these definitions, the laws of indices hold for all integral indices.

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106 views29 pages

Zero and Negative Integral Indices

This document discusses the definitions and laws of zero and negative integral indices. It begins by reviewing the laws of positive integral indices. It then defines a0 to equal 1 so that the laws still hold when m = n. Similarly, it defines an to equal 1/a^n so that the laws hold when m < n. Examples are provided to illustrate these definitions. The document concludes by stating that with these definitions, the laws of indices hold for all integral indices.

Uploaded by

Yana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Book 2B Chapter 8

(page 8.12 - 8.16)

Zero and Negative Integral Indices


We have learnt the following
law of indices for .

If a ≠ 0 and both m and n are positive integers, then

(1) m>n

(2) m<n
Law
(2)
What about when m = n?

If a ≠ 0 and both m and n are positive integers, then

(1) m>n

(2) m<n
Law
(2)
Consider .

Suppose the law of indices still


holds when m = n and a≠0.

= 40 = a0
Consider .

On the other hand,

= 40 = a0
Thus,
= =
Therefore, we define zero index as follows so that
the laws of indices hold.

If a ≠ 0, then .

For example,
Follow-up question
Find the values of the following expressions without
using a calculator.
(a) (b)

Solution
(a)

(b)
We have learnt about positive
integral indices and zero index.
Let’s explore the meanings of
negative integral indices.
Consider .

Suppose the law of indices still


holds when m < n and a≠0.

= 4–3 = a–4
Consider .

On the other hand,

= 4–3 = a–4
Thus,
= =
Therefore, we define negative integral indices as
follows so that the laws of indices hold.
If a ≠ 0 and n is a positive integer, then

For example, In particular,


Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(a)

(b)

(c)
Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(a)
Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(b)
Find the values of the following
expressions without using a
calculator. (Leave your answers
in fractions if necessary.)

(c) 30 = 1
Follow-up question
Find the values of the following expressions without
using a calculator. (Leave your answers in fractions
if necessary.)

(a) (b) (c)


Solution
(a)
Solution
(b)
Solution
(c)
With the definitions of zero
and negative integral indices,
the laws of indices hold for
all integral indices.
If a, b ≠ 0 and both m and n are integers, then

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)
Simplify the following expressions
and express your answers with
positive indices.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Simplify the following expressions
and express your answers with
positive indices.

(a)
(b)
(c)
Follow-up question
Simplify the following expressions and express your
answers with positive indices.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Solution

(a)
Solution

(b)
Solution

(c)

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