The laws of exponents can also be extended to include the rational numbers. The power is also called the index or the exponent. A guide to exponents and surds teaching approach it is vital to start this series by revising all the laws of exponents. In this chapter, a means the positive square root of a while. A rational number is any number that can be written as a fraction with an integer in. Siyavulas open mathematics grade 11 textbook, chapter 1 on exponents and surds.
In this lesson we simplify expressions using the law of exponents as well as add, subtract and divide simple surds. Then simplify expressions using these laws, making bases prime and simplifying expressions with rational exponents. Move on to solving equations with exponents by factorising. The bases are the same so you will then add the exponents for example x x x x x x 4 4 1 4 1 5 same bases, add exponents 2. Usually, the exact value of a surd cannot be determined but an approximate value of it can be found by using calculators or mathematical tables. Encourage learners not to use calculators in this chapter. Surds questions surds past edexcel exam questions 1. Simplify expressions using the laws of exponents for rational exponents where xpqqvxp. General rules of surds multiplication of surds a b a b. This entry was posted in exponents and surds, general, grade 11, grades, maths. Use of the laws of integer exponents and of surds to simplify expressions and to solve equations. When the power or index is a fraction say then and it is a surd of order n. Operations with surds include addition and subtraction of surds when the surd is the same.
Simplify expressions using the laws of exponents for rational exponents where xp qqvxp. There are some basic rules when dealing with surds example. This video forms part of the olico youth mathematics programme, which can be found at. In this video learners will be presented with a number of questions that will test the skills learnt in the series. Rational exponents and surds exponents and surds siyavula. Surds are basically an expression involving a root, squared or cubed etc. This worksheet covers all the exponent and surds rules, with questions on simplifying and solving for x in both exponent and surd equations. This chapter deals with defining the system of real numbers. Download our free tenfold education app for loads of free maths, science.