Edexcel IGCSE Math A 2.1 use of symbols

Use this symbol-skills page to simplify powers, combine algebraic terms and interpret letters as variables before moving into formulae or equations.

Exam points

Simplify algebraic products and powers such as brackets, repeated variables and indices.
Use index laws with multiplication, division, powers, zero indices and fractional powers.

[Maximum number: 3]

(a)

Simplify $n^{0}$

[ 1 ]

$n^0=1$

Final answer:
1

(b)

Simplify $\left(3 x^{2} y^{5}\right)^{3}$

[ 2 ]

$(3x^{2}y^{5})^{3}=3^{3}x^{6}y^{15}$

Final answer:
$27x^{6}y^{15}$

B1 for any two correct terms in the product.

[Maximum number: 2]

Simplify fully $\left(16 x^{8} y^{6}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}$

\left(16x^8y^6\right)^{\frac12}=4x^4y^3

Final answer:

4x^4y^3

B2.
B1 for 2 correct terms of the 3 in a product.

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