Multiply Algebraic Powers

This activity is about simplifying algebraic powers.

Example

Simplify:

(a³)⁴

Answer

Remember what to the power of 4 means and multiply the terms 4 times.

We get:    

a³ × a³ × a³ × a³

Add the indices of identical letters (3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12).

Answer is a¹².

A quicker method is to simply multiply together the two powers in the original term: 

3 x 4 = 12, so the answer is a¹²

Let's have a go at some questions now.