Indices

More questions on this topic: IGCSE Algebra: Indices (174) Level 2 FM Algebra: Indices (41)

From a Foundation paper

Edexcel

Edexcel · Old spec

AQA

OCR

Foundation June 2025 Paper 3 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec5 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

21

(a) Simplify \(y^{10} \div y^2\) (1)
(b) Simplify \((e^3)^2\) (1)
(c) Expand \(x(3x^2 + 5)\) (1)
(d) Expand and simplify \((n + 5)(n - 2)\) (2)

Higher June 2025 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksDrawing & Using GraphsIndices

17 Here is a sketch of part of the graph of \(y = k^x\) where \(k\) is a positive constant.

Sketch of a decreasing exponential curve passing through the marked point (-1, 1.5) and approaching the positive x-axis

The graph passes through the point with coordinates \((-1, 1.5)\)

Find the value of \(k\). (2)

Higher June 2025 Paper 3 Q11

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

11 \(\dfrac{3^n \times 3^{20}}{3^8} = 3^{14}\)

(a) Find the value of \(n\). (2)
(b) Write \(\left(64m^{12}\right)^{\frac{2}{3}}\) in the form \(am^b\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are integers. (2)

Higher June 2025 Paper 2 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

9 \(3x^{-1}(4x - x^3) = a + bx^n\) for all the values of \(x\) that are not zero.

Find the value of \(a\), the value of \(b\) and the value of \(n\). (2)

Foundation November 2024 Paper 3 Q25

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

25

(a) Simplify fully \(2x^3y^5 \times 7x^2y\) (2)
(b) Simplify \((m^2)^{-3}\) (1)

Higher November 2024 Paper 1 Q10

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

10

(a) Work out \(25^{\frac{1}{2}} \times 8^{\frac{1}{3}}\) (2)
(b) Find the value of \(\left(\dfrac{1}{32}\right)^{\frac{3}{5}}\) (2)

Higher November 2024 Paper 3 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

9

(a) Simplify fully \(2x^3y^5 \times 7x^2y\) (2)
(b) Simplify \((m^2)^{-3}\) (1)

Higher June 2024 Paper 1 Q20

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

20 \(2^x = \dfrac{2^n}{\sqrt[3]{2}} \qquad 2^y = \left(\sqrt{2}\right)^5\)

Given that \(x + y = 8\)

work out the value of \(n\). (3)

Foundation November 2023 Paper 1 Q19

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

19

(a)
(i) Write down the value of \(\ 5^0\) (1)
(ii) Write down the value of \(\ 5^{-2}\) (1)
(b) Write \(\ \dfrac{2^5 \times 2^4}{2^3}\ \) in the form \(2^n\) where \(n\) is an integer. (2)

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q14

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

14 Work out the value of \(27^{\frac{2}{3}} + \left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^{-3}\) (3)

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q2

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

2

(a)
(i) Write down the value of \(5^0\) (1)
(ii) Write down the value of \(5^{-2}\) (1)
(b) Write \(\dfrac{2^5 \times 2^4}{2^3}\) in the form \(2^n\) where \(n\) is an integer. (2)

Foundation June 2023 Paper 1 Q29

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

29 Work out the value of \(\quad \dfrac{4^{-6} \times 4^9}{4}\) (2)

Foundation June 2023 Paper 3 Q20

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

20

(a) Simplify \(\quad (m^2)^3\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(\quad x^5 \times x^8\) (1)
(c) Expand \(\quad 4p(p^2 + 3p)\) (2)

Higher June 2023 Paper 1 Q14

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

14

(a) Write \(\dfrac{1}{16}\) in the form \(4^n\) where \(n\) is an integer. (1)
(b) Work out the value of \(8^{\frac{5}{3}} - 9^{\frac{3}{2}}\) (3)

Higher June 2023 Paper 1 Q11

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

11 Write \(\dfrac{(6x^5y^3)^2}{3x^2y^7 \times 4xy^{-3}}\) in the form \(ax^by^c\) where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers. (3)

Higher June 2023 Paper 3 Q1

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

1

(a) Simplify \((m^2)^3\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(x^5 \times x^8\) (1)
(c) Expand \(4p(p^2 + 3p)\) (2)

Foundation November 2022 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

21 Simplify \(\quad (2^{-5} \times 2^8)^2\)

Give your answer as a power of 2 (2)

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

17 Work out the value of \(\left(\dfrac{8}{27}\right)^{\frac{4}{3}}\) (2)

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q3

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

3 Simplify \((2^{-5} \times 2^8)^2\)

Give your answer as a power of 2 (2)

Foundation June 2022 Paper 2 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec5 marksFactorisingIndices

21

(a) Simplify \((x^3)^5\) (1)
(b) Expand and simplify \(4(x + 3) + 7(4 - 2x)\) (2)
(c) Factorise fully \(15x^3 + 3x^2y\) (2)

Higher June 2022 Paper 1 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

18 Work out the value of \(\dfrac{\left(5\dfrac{4}{9}\right)^{-\frac{1}{2}} \times \left(4\dfrac{2}{3}\right)}{2^{-3}}\)

You must show all your working. (4)

Higher June 2022 Paper 3 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

9

(a) Express \(\sqrt{\dfrac{10^{360}}{10^{150} \times 10^{90}}}\) as a power of 10 (3)

Liam was asked to express \((12^{50})^2\) as a power of 12

Liam wrote \((12^{50})^2 = 12^{50^2} = 12^{2500}\)

Liam’s method is wrong.

(b) Explain why. (1)

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

12 \((ax^6)^{\frac{1}{n}} = 7x^3\)

Work out the value of \(a\) and the value of \(n\). (2)

Higher November 2021 Paper 1 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

9

(a) Write down the value of \(7^0\) (1)
(b) Find the value of \(3 \times 3^6 \times 3^{-6}\) (1)
(c) Find the value of \(2^{-4}\) (1)
(d) Find the value of \(27^{\frac{1}{3}}\) (1)

Foundation November 2019 Paper 1 Q26

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

26

(a) Simplify \((p^2)^5\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(12x^7y^3 \div 6x^3y\) (2)

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q19

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

19 Given that \(9^{-\frac{1}{2}} = 27^{\frac{1}{4}} \div 3^{x+1}\)
find the exact value of \(x\). (3)

Higher November 2019 Paper 3 Q10

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndicesSolving Simple Equations

10

(a) Solve \(\dfrac{9 + x}{7} = 11 - x\) (3)
(b) Simplify \(\dfrac{4(y + 3)^3}{(y + 3)^2}\) (1)

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q7

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

7

(a) Simplify \((p^2)^5\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(12x^7y^3 \div 6x^3y\) (2)

Higher June 2019 Paper 3 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec1 markIndices

12 Patrick has to work out the exact value of \(64^{\frac{1}{4}}\)

Patrick says,

“\(\dfrac{1}{4}\) of 64 is 16 so \(64^{\frac{1}{4}} = 16\)”

Explain what is wrong with what Patrick says. (1)

Foundation November 2018 Paper 1 Q20

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

20 Work out the value of   \(\dfrac{3^7 \times 3^{-2}}{3^3}\) (2)

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q14

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

14

(a) Work out the value of   \(\left(\dfrac{16}{81}\right)^{\frac{3}{4}}\) (2)

\(3^a = \dfrac{1}{9} \qquad 3^b = 9\sqrt{3} \qquad 3^c = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)

(b) Work out the value of   \(a + b + c\) (2)

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q1

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

1 Work out the value of   \(\dfrac{3^7 \times 3^{-2}}{3^3}\) (2)

Foundation June 2018 Paper 2 Q20

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndices

20

(a) Simplify  \(m^3 \times m^4\) (1)
(b) Simplify  \((5np^3)^3\) (2)
(c) Simplify  \(\dfrac{32q^9r^4}{4q^3r}\) (2)

Higher June 2018 Paper 1 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

9

(a) Write down the value of  \(36^{\frac{1}{2}}\) (1)
(b) Write down the value of  \(23^0\) (1)
(c) Work out the value of  \(27^{-\frac{2}{3}}\) (2)

Higher June 2018 Paper 2 Q1

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndices

1

(a) Simplify  \(m^3 \times m^4\) (1)
(b) Simplify  \((5np^3)^3\) (2)
(c) Simplify  \(\dfrac{32q^9r^4}{4q^3r}\) (2)

Foundation November 2017 Paper 2 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

21 \(p^3 \times p^x = p^9\)

(a) Find the value of \(x\). (1)

\(\left(7^2\right)^y = 7^{10}\)

(b) Find the value of \(y\). (1)

\(100^a \times 1000^b\) can be written in the form \(10^w\)

(c) Show that \(w = 2a + 3b\) (2)

Higher November 2017 Paper 1 Q10

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

10

(a) Write down the value of \(100^{\frac{1}{2}}\) (1)
(b) Find the value of \(125^{\frac{2}{3}}\) (2)

Higher November 2017 Paper 2 Q6

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

6 \(p^3 \times p^x = p^9\)

(a) Find the value of \(x\). (1)

\((7^2)^y = 7^{10}\)

(b) Find the value of \(y\). (1)

\(100^a \times 1000^b\) can be written in the form \(10^w\)

(c) Show that \(w = 2a + 3b\) (2)

Higher June 2017 Paper 2 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

18 \(16^{\frac{1}{5}} \times 2^x = 8^{\frac{3}{4}}\)

Work out the exact value of \(x\). (3)

Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

12

(a) Find the value of \(81^{-\frac{1}{2}}\) (2)
(b) Find the value of \(\left(\dfrac{64}{125}\right)^{\frac{2}{3}}\) (2)

1MA0 Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q1

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksIndicesSubstitution

1

(a) Simplify \(x^7 \times x^5\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(2y \div y\) (1)

\(v = 2t^2\)

\(t = 3\)

(c) Work out the value of \(v\). (1)
(d) Give an example to show that, when \(n\) is a whole number, \(6n + 1\) is not always a prime number.
You must give your value of \(n\). (1)

1MA0 Foundation November 2016 Paper 2 Q25

EdexcelFoundationOld spec3 marksFactorisingIndices

25

(a) Simplify fully \(\dfrac{n^7 \times n^3}{n^6}\) (2)
(b) Factorise \(5y - 15\) (1)

1MA0 Higher June 2016 Paper 2 Q18

18

(a) Simplify \(2a^3b \times 5a^2b^3\) (2)
(b) Make \(y\) the subject of the formula \[p = \sqrt{\frac{x + y}{5}}\] (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2016 Paper 1 Q4

EdexcelHigherOld spec6 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

4

(a) Simplify \(p^2 \times p^5\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(g^6 \div g^4\) (1)
(c) Simplify \((k^3)^2\) (1)
(d) Expand and simplify \(3(m + 4) - 2(4m + 1)\) (2)
(e) Factorise \(n^2 - 7n\) (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2015 Paper 2 Q11

11

(a) Solve \(3x^2 = 147\) (2)
(b) Work out the value of \(2^{-3}\) (1)
(c) Simplify \((3x^2)^3\) (2)

\(w = 4p - 16\)

(d) Make \(p\) the subject of this formula. (2)

1MA0 Foundation June 2015 Paper 1 Q23

EdexcelFoundationOld spec4 marksFactorisingIndices

23

(a) Factorise \(8x + 6\) (1)
(b) Factorise \(y^2 - 2y\) (1)
(c) Simplify fully \(\dfrac{p^3 \times p^4}{p^2}\) (2)

1MA0 Higher June 2015 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksIndices

22

(a) Find the value of \(2^{-3}\) (1)

\(5\sqrt{5}\) can be written in the form \(5^k\)

(b) Find the value of \(k\). (1)
(c) Work out the value of \(\left(\sqrt{12} - \sqrt{3}\right)^2\) (2)

1MA0 Higher June 2015 Paper 1 Q8

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

8

(a) Simplify \(6g - 5h - 4g + 2h\) (2)
(b) Factorise \(y^2 - 2y\) (1)
(c) Simplify fully \(\dfrac{p^3 \times p^4}{p^2}\) (2)

1MA0 Higher November 2014 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec6 marksAlgebraic FractionsIndices

22

(a) Simplify fully \((3e)^0\) (1)
(b) Simplify fully \(\left(\dfrac{64x^6}{25y^2}\right)^{-\frac{1}{2}}\) (2)
(c) Write \(\dfrac{5}{x - 3} - \dfrac{4}{x + 3}\) as a single fraction in its simplest form. (3)

1MA0 Foundation June 2014 Paper 2 Q23

EdexcelFoundationOld spec4 marksIndices

23

(a) Work out the value of \(3.1^4\) (1)
(b) Simplify \((p^3)^2\) (1)
(c) Simplify \(\dfrac{t^8}{t^3}\) (1)

\(2^3 \times 2^n = 2^9\)

(d) Work out the value of \(n\). (1)

1MA0 Higher June 2014 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksAlgebraic FractionsIndices

22

(a) Simplify \((3x^2y^4)^3\) (2)
(b) Simplify \(\dfrac{x^2 - 9}{2x^2 + 5x - 3}\) (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2014 Paper 2 Q10

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksIndices

10

(a) Simplify \((p^3)^2\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(\dfrac{t^8}{t^3}\) (1)

\(2^3 \times 2^n = 2^9\)

(c) Work out the value of \(n\). (1)

\(2x^3 = 128\)

(d) Work out the value of \(x\). (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2013 Paper 2 Q11

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksIndices

11

(a) Simplify \(x^7 \times x^3\) (1)
(b) Simplify \((m^4)^3\) (1)
(c) Simplify \(\dfrac{36af^8}{12a^5f^2}\) (2)

1MA0 Higher June 2013 Paper 1 Q19

EdexcelHigherOld spec2 marksIndices

19 Write these numbers in order of size.
Start with the smallest number. (2)

\(5^{-1}\)0.5\(-5\)\(5^0\)

1MA0 Foundation March 2013 Paper 2 Q23

EdexcelFoundationOld spec2 marksIndices

23

(a) Simplify \(n^5 \times n^3\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(n^7 \div n^2\) (1)

1MA0 Higher March 2013 Paper 1 Q9

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksIndices

9

(a) Simplify \(a^4 \times a^5\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(\dfrac{45e^6f^8}{5ef^2}\) (2)
(c) Write down the value of \(9^{\frac{1}{2}}\) (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2012 Paper 1 Q15

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksIndices

15

(a) Simplify \(m^5 \div m^3\) (1)
(b) Simplify \(5x^4y^3 \times x^2y\) (2)

1MA0 Higher June 2012 Paper 1 Q16

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksFactorisingIndices

16

(a) Simplify \((m^{-2})^5\) (1)
(b) Factorise \(x^2 + 3x - 10\) (2)

Higher June 2025 Paper 1 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndices

19

(a) Work out the value of \(\quad \left(\dfrac{9}{16}\right)^{-\frac{3}{2}}\) [3 marks]
(b) \(\sqrt{125} = 5^n\)

Work out the value of \(n\). [2 marks]

Foundation November 2024 Paper 2 Q25

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

25 Here are three terms.

\(xy\) \(x^2\) \(5y^2\)

Alec multiplies two of these terms.

Work out the three possible fully simplified answers. [3 marks]

Higher November 2024 Paper 1 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

22

\(7^n = x\)

Match each expression on the left to the correct expression on the right.

One has been done for you. [3 marks]

Left boxes: 7 to the power −n, 7 to the power 2n, 7 to the power n + 1, 7 to the power ½n. Right boxes: 7x, 1/x, ½x, √x, x². 7 to the power −n is already joined to 1/x

Higher November 2024 Paper 2 Q11

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

11 Here are three terms.

\(xy\) \(x^2\) \(5y^2\)

Alec multiplies two of these terms.

Work out the three possible fully simplified answers. [3 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 2 Q27

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksFunctionsIndices

27 \(\mathrm{g}(x) = a \times b^x \quad\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.

\(\mathrm{g}(0) = 8 \quad\) and \(\quad \mathrm{g}(3) = 343\)

Work out the value of \(\mathrm{g}(1)\) [4 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q26

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

26

(a) Work out the value of \(\quad \left(5\dfrac{1}{16}\right)^{\frac{1}{4}}\) [2 marks]
(b) Write \(\quad \left(49^m\right)^{2.5} \quad\) as a power of 7 in terms of \(m\). [2 marks]

Foundation November 2023 Paper 1 Q22

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

22 Work out the value of \(\quad (8^2 \times 8) \div (8^9 \div 8^5)\)

Give your answer as a decimal. [3 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q18

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

18 Simplify \(\quad \dfrac{2(x + 4)^5}{(x + 4)^3}\)

Give your answer in the form \(\quad ax^2 + bx + c \quad\) where \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers. [3 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q5

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

5 Work out the value of \(\quad (8^2 \times 8) \div (8^9 \div 8^5)\)

Give your answer as a decimal. [3 marks]

Foundation June 2023 Paper 3 Q10

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

10

(a) Simplify fully \(\quad p^2 \times p\) [1 mark]
(b) Simplify fully \(\quad 3a + 5c - a + 6c\) [2 marks]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 1 Q25

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

25 Write \(\quad (3^6 \times 3^5) : 3^7 \quad\) in the form \(\quad n : 1 \quad\) where \(n\) is an integer. [3 marks]

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

19

(a) Work out the value of \(\quad \left(\dfrac{5}{4}\right)^{-2}\) [2 marks]
(b) Work out the value of \(\quad \left(\dfrac{9}{100}\right)^{\frac{3}{2}}\) [2 marks]

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q11

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

11 Write \(\quad (3^6 \times 3^5) : 3^7 \quad\) in the form \(\quad n : 1 \quad\) where \(n\) is an integer. [3 marks]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 2 Q5

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

5

(a) Simplify fully \(\quad d \times d\) [1 mark]
(b) Simplify fully \(\quad n \div n\) [1 mark]
(c) Simplify fully \(\quad \dfrac{1}{3} \times 6t\) [1 mark]

Higher June 2022 Paper 3 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksDrawing & Using GraphsIndices

24 Here is a sketch of the graphs of \(\quad y = k^x \quad\) and \(\quad y = x^2 + c\)

\(k\) and \(c\) are positive constants.

Sketch of y = k to the power x passing through (4, 81), and y = x squared + c passing through (r, 43.44). The two curves intersect at (2, p).

Work out the value of \(r\). [4 marks]

Foundation June 2022 Paper 1 Q19

AQAFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

19

(a) Work out \(\dfrac{3^{12}}{3^7}\)

Give your answer as a whole number. [2 marks]

(b) Simplify \(8 \times 2^6 \times 2^4\)

Give your answer as a power of 2 [2 marks]

Higher June 2022 Paper 1 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSequences

19 The first three terms of a sequence are \(\qquad x \qquad y \qquad xy\)

The sequence is continued by multiplying the previous two terms.

(a) Circle the 5th term of the sequence. [1 mark]
  • \(x^3y^3\)
  • \(x^5y^5\)
  • \(x^3y^4\)
  • \(x^2y^3\)
(b) The 8th term of the sequence is \(\quad x^8y^{13}\)

The value of this term is negative.

What does this mean about the values of \(x\) and \(y\) ?

Tick one box for each row. [2 marks]

Must be
positive
Must be
negative
Could be
either
\(x\)
\(y\)

Higher June 2022 Paper 1 Q6

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

6

(a) Work out \(\quad \dfrac{3^{12}}{3^7}\)

Give your answer as a whole number. [2 marks]

(b) Simplify \(\quad 8 \times 2^6 \times 2^4\)

Give your answer as a power of 2 [2 marks]

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec1 markIndices

24 \(a^b = 3 \qquad\) where \(a\) is an integer and \(b\) is a proper fraction.

Work out one possible pair of values of \(a\) and \(b\). [1 mark]

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksDrawing & Using GraphsIndices

23 The equation of a curve is \(\qquad y = 16^x\)

(a) Circle the point that lies on the curve. [1 mark]
  • (2, 32)
  • (32, 2)
  • (2, 256)
  • (256, 2)
(b) A different point on the curve has \(y\)-coordinate \(\dfrac{1}{16}\)

Work out the \(x\)-coordinate. [1 mark]

Foundation November 2021 Paper 1 Q22

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksExpanding BracketsIndices

22

(a) Lucy wants to simplify \(\quad 6a - (7b - 2a)\)

She writes \(\quad 4a - 7b\)

Is she correct?

Tick a box.

  • Yes
  • No

Give a reason for your answer. [1 mark]

(b) Lucy also wants to simplify \(\quad 3p^2 \times 5p^7\)

She says,

“Add 3 and 5, then add 2 and 7”

Her answer is \(\quad 8p^9\)

Tick a box for each part of her method. [1 mark]

CorrectNot correct
Add 3 and 5
Add 2 and 7
(c) Lucy thinks of a number.

\(10 \times\) the number \(=\) \(10 \div\) the number

Give a possible value of the number. [1 mark]

Higher November 2021 Paper 1 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

22 Work out the value of \(\quad \left(\dfrac{5}{7}\right)^{-2}\)

Give your answer as a mixed number. [3 marks]

Higher November 2020 Paper 1 Q20

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

20

(a) Write down the value of \(\quad 7^0\) [1 mark]
(b) Work out the value of \(\quad 32^{-\frac{3}{5}}\) [2 marks]

Higher November 2020 Paper 1 Q14

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

14

(a) \(c = 2^{10} \times 3 \times 5^6\)

Work out \(18c\).

Give your answer as a product of prime factors in index form. [2 marks]

(b) Work out \(\quad \sqrt[3]{\dfrac{2^7 \times 11^3}{2}}\)

Give your answer as an integer. [2 marks]

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q28

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

28 Work out the value of \(\quad 100^{-\frac{1}{2}}\) [2 marks]

Foundation November 2019 Paper 1 Q27

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

27 Write \(\quad 27 \times \left(3^2\right)^7 \quad\) as a single power of 3 [3 marks]

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q8

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

8 Write \(\quad 27 \times \left(3^2\right)^7 \quad\) as a single power of 3 [3 marks]

Higher June 2019 Paper 1 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

23 Simplify \(\qquad 8^4 \div 32^{\frac{2}{5}}\)

Give your answer in the form \(\quad 2^m \quad\) where \(m\) is an integer. [3 marks]

Foundation June 2019 Paper 1 Q23

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

23 Work out the value of \(\quad (3^{12} \div 3^5) \div (3^2 \times 3)\) [3 marks]

Higher June 2019 Paper 3 Q15

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksAlgebraic FractionsIndices

15 Simplify fully \(\quad \dfrac{a^3 b^2}{cd} \times \dfrac{c}{ab^5}\) [3 marks]

Higher June 2019 Paper 1 Q8

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

8 Work out the value of \(\qquad (3^{12} \div 3^5) \div (3^2 \times 3)\) [3 marks]

Foundation November 2018 Paper 1 Q29

AQAFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

29

\[\sqrt{6^2 + 8^2} = \sqrt[3]{125a^3}\]

Work out the value of \(a\). [4 marks]

Higher November 2018 Paper 2 Q27

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

27 The point \(\left(3, \dfrac{1}{64}\right)\) lies on the curve \(\quad y = k^x \quad\) where \(k\) is a constant.

Show that the point \(\left(\dfrac{1}{2}, \dfrac{1}{2}\right)\) lies on the curve. [3 marks]

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q17

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

17 Work out the exact value of \(\quad \left(\dfrac{3}{4}\right)^{-3}\) [2 marks]

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q9

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

9

\[\sqrt{6^2 + 8^2} = \sqrt[3]{125a^3}\]

Work out the value of \(a\). [4 marks]

Higher June 2018 Paper 1 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndices

24

(a) Work out the value of \(\quad 2^{14} \div \left(2^9\right)^2\)

Give your answer as a fraction in its simplest form. [3 marks]

(b) Work out the value of \(\quad 25^{\frac{3}{2}}\) [2 marks]

Higher June 2018 Paper 2 Q18

AQAHigherCurrent spec1 markIndices

18 The solution of \(\quad 3^x = 300 \quad\) lies between two consecutive integers.

Work out the two integers. [1 mark]

Higher June 2018 Paper 3 Q14

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksDrawing & Using GraphsIndices

14 Draw the graph of \(\quad y = 0.8^x \quad\) for values of \(x\) from 0 to 6 [3 marks]

\(x\)0123456
\(y\)
Blank grid with x-axis from 0 to 6 and y-axis from −0.1 to 1 in steps of 0.1

Higher November 2017 Paper 1 Q30

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndices

30

(a) Work out the value of \(\quad 81^{-\frac{1}{4}}\) [2 marks]
(b) Write \(\quad 16 \times 8^{2x} \quad\) as a power of 2 in terms of \(x\). [3 marks]

Higher November 2017 Paper 3 Q28

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksForming EquationsIndices

28 \(y = p \times q^{\,x - 1} \qquad\) where \(p\) and \(q\) are numbers.

\(y = 10 \;\) when \(\; x = 1\)
\(y = 0.3125 \;\) when \(\; x = 6\)

Work out the value of \(y\) when \(x = 3\) [5 marks]

Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

24

(a) Work out \(\quad \sqrt{12\tfrac{1}{4}} \quad\) as an improper fraction. [1 mark]
(b) Work out \(\quad \sqrt[3]{16} \quad\) as a power of 2 [2 marks]

Higher June 2017 Paper 3 Q12

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

12 \(\left(ar^b\right)^4 = 16r^{20} \quad\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive integers.

Work out \(a\) and \(b\) [2 marks]

Foundation June 2025 Paper 1 Q20

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

20 Complete each statement by writing the missing power in the box.

(a) \((4^3)^2 = 4^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]
(b) \(\dfrac{1}{4} = 4^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]

Higher June 2025 Paper 5 Q14

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksIndices

14

(a) Find the value of \(4^{\frac{5}{2}}\). [2]
(b) Simplify.

\((3x^2)^{-3} \times 9x^8\) [4]

Higher June 2025 Paper 4 Q10

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

10 Find the value of \(k\).

\[\frac{25 \times (5^3)^k}{5^4} = 5^{19}\]

[3]

Higher June 2025 Paper 6 Q5

OCRHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

5 A teacher asks their class which of the following values is the smallest.

\(2^{-1} \qquad 4^{-3} \qquad 10^{-2}\)

One student says

\(2^{-1}\) is the smallest because 2 is smaller than 4 and 10.

Explain the error made by the student in their reasoning and write down the smallest value. [2]

Foundation June 2025 Paper 3 Q3

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

3

(a) Write \(5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5\) as a power of 5. [1]
(b) Write down the value of \(1^{10}\). [1]
(c) Work out.

\(4 \times 4 \times 4 - 3^3\) [2]

Higher November 2024 Paper 5 Q21

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

21

(a) Work out.

\(\left(\dfrac{1}{8}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}}\) [1]

(b) \(2^x \times 4^y = 16\)

Show that \(y = 2 - \dfrac{x}{2}\). [4]

Higher November 2024 Paper 6 Q14

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

14 \(N = 4a^6\)

Write the following in the form \(ka^m\).

(a) \(N^{-1} = \ldots\ldots a^{\ldots\ldots}\) [2]
(b) \(N^{\frac{3}{2}} = \ldots\ldots a^{\ldots\ldots}\) [2]

Foundation November 2024 Paper 2 Q13

OCRFoundationCurrent spec6 marksIndices

13

(a) Find the value of:
(i) \(2^5\), [2]
(ii) \(\sqrt[3]{1000}\). [1]
(b) Simplify.

\(y^{12} \div y^4\) [1]

(c) \(5^p \times 5 = \dfrac{1}{5}\)

Find the value of \(p\). [2]

Foundation November 2024 Paper 3 Q12

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

12 The table shows some numbers each written as a power of 4.

Number... as a power of 4... as a power of 2
44\(4^1\)\(2 \times 2\)\(2^2\)
16\(4 \times 4\)\(4^2\)
64\(4 \times 4 \times 4\)\(4^3\)
(a) Complete the table to show 16 and 64 each written as a power of 2. [2]
(b) A number is written as \(4^{20}\).

Use a pattern in the table to help you write this number as a power of 2. [1]

Foundation June 2024 Paper 1 Q27

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

27 Write the following in order of size, smallest first.

\[0.2 \qquad 2^{-2} \qquad 2 \times 10^{-2}\]

Show how you decide. [3]

Higher June 2024 Paper 6 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

16 Write \(\dfrac{9x^7 \times 2\sqrt{x}}{3x^4}\) in the form \(kx^m\). [4]

Foundation June 2024 Paper 2 Q12

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

12 Complete each statement by writing the missing power in the box.

(a) \(6^3 \times 6^4 = 6^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]
(b) \((2^2)^4 = 2^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]

Higher June 2024 Paper 4 Q7

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

7 Write the following in order of size, smallest first.

\(0.2 \qquad 2^{-2} \qquad 2 \times 10^{-2}\)

Show how you decide. [3]

Higher November 2023 Paper 4 Q21

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

21 Solve.

\[x^{-\frac{1}{6}} = \frac{5x^{\frac{1}{3}}}{x^{\frac{3}{4}}}, \text{ where } x \neq 0\]

[3]

Higher November 2023 Paper 5 Q20

OCRHigherCurrent spec2 marksIndices

20 Work out.

\[36^{-\frac{1}{2}}\]

[2]

Foundation November 2023 Paper 2 Q13

13

(a) Work out.

\(3^4\) [2]

(b) Simplify.

\(\dfrac{5x^2}{x}\) [1]

(c) Rearrange this formula to make \(x\) the subject.

\(y = \dfrac{x}{5} + 2\) [2]

Higher June 2023 Paper 5 Q18

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

18 \(\sqrt[5]{p^2} = \left(\sqrt[3]{m}\right)^2\) and \(p = m^x\), where \(p \gt 0\), \(m \gt 0\) and \(p \ne m\).

Show that the value of \(x\) is \(\frac{5}{3}\). [3]

Higher June 2023 Paper 6 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndicesSequences

17 The \(k\)th term of a sequence is \(r^k\), where \(r \ne 0\).

The sixth term is equal to three times the second term.

Find the value of \(r\), giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places. [4]

Foundation June 2023 Paper 2 Q11

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

11 Work out.

\(\sqrt[3]{64} \times \left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2\) [3]

Foundation June 2023 Paper 1 Q7

OCRFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndices

7

(a) Work out.
(i) \(3^5\) [1]
(ii) \(\sqrt[3]{2744}\) [1]
(b) Find the value of \(y\).

\(384 = 6 \times 4^y\) [2]

(c) Write \(3^{-1}\) as a fraction. [1]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 2 Q23

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

23 A student says that they have placed the following values in order starting with the smallest.

\[\left(\dfrac{1}{10}\right)^2 \qquad \sqrt{0.25} \qquad 4^{-1}\]

Has the student done this correctly?
Show how you decide.

.................... because ........................................ [4]

Higher November 2022 Paper 5 Q14

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndicesSubstitution

14 The number of bees, \(P\), in a colony is given by the formula

\[P = ab^x\]

where \(x\) is the number of months after the start of July.

At the start of July, there were 25 000 bees in the colony.
After one month, there were 23 500 bees in the colony.

Find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\).
Give the value of \(b\) as a decimal. [4]

Higher November 2022 Paper 5 Q9

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

9 A student says that they have placed the following values in order starting with the smallest.

\[\left(\frac{1}{10}\right)^2 \qquad \sqrt{0.25} \qquad 4^{-1}\]

Has the student done this correctly?
Show how you decide. [4]

Higher November 2022 Paper 6 Q9

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

9 Given that \((2^k)^6 \times 8 = 2^{45}\), find the value of \(k\). [3]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 2 Q2

OCRFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndices

2

(a) Complete each statement by writing the missing power in the box.
(i) \(6 \times 6 \times 6 = 6^{\boxed{\phantom{M}}}\) [1]
(ii) \(16 = 2^{\boxed{\phantom{M}}}\) [1]
(b) Work out.

\(5^2 \times \sqrt{36}\) [3]

Foundation June 2022 Paper 3 Q16

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

16 For each statement, complete the box to show the power of 10.

(a) One million \(= 10^{\square}\) [1]
(b) One thousandth \(= 10^{\square}\) [1]

Foundation June 2022 Paper 3 Q8

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

8

(a) Simplify. \(2 \times 3a\) [1]
(b) Simplify. \(\dfrac{2x^5}{4x}\) [2]

Higher June 2022 Paper 6 Q4

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

4 You are given that

\[\frac{10a^k \times a^8}{ma^5} = \frac{2a^7}{5}\]

where \(k\) and \(m\) are integers.

Find the value of \(k\) and the value of \(m\). [4]

Foundation November 2021 Paper 2 Q13

OCRFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndices

13

(a) Reece is given this question.
Write 20 as a product of prime factors.
Give your answer in index form.

Reece’s answer is \(2 \times 2 \times 5\).

Is Reece correct?
Explain your answer. [1]

(b) Complete the power of 2.\[\frac{1}{8} = 2^{\square}\]

[1]

(c) Work out. \(\sqrt{81} \times 2^3\) [3]

Higher November 2020 Paper 5 Q14

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndices

14 Simplify.

(a) \(4a^{\frac{1}{2}} \times 3a^2\) [2]
(b) \(\left(\dfrac{2a^2}{a^{-3}}\right)^3\) [3]

Foundation November 2020 Paper 3 Q12

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

12

(a) Complete the power of 2 for each statement by writing the missing value in the box.
(i) \(2^3 \times 2^3 = 2^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]
(ii) \(\dfrac{1}{32} = 2^{\boxed{\phantom{0}}}\) [1]
(b) \(2 \times 2^y = 1\).

Find the value of \(y\). [2]

Higher November 2020 Paper 5 Q11

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksIndices

11

(a) Work out.

\(16^{-\frac{1}{2}}\) [2]

(b) Simplify.

\(\sqrt{6} \times \sqrt{3}\) [2]

Foundation November 2020 Paper 2 Q10

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksIndices

10 Simplify.

(a) \(\dfrac{5b^6}{b^2}\) [1]
(b) \((x^4)^3\) [1]

Foundation November 2020 Paper 2 Q8

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

8

(a) Write \(3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3\) as a power of 3. [1]
(b) Show that the answer to \(2^6 \times 4^{-1}\) is a square number. [3]

Higher November 2019 Paper 5 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

17 Show that \(\sqrt[3]{a^4} \times \dfrac{1}{a}\) can be expressed as \(a^{\frac{1}{3}}\). [3]

Foundation November 2019 Paper 2 Q16

OCRFoundationCurrent spec6 marksIndicesSubstitution

16 Martina has answered some questions on algebra.
In each question, she has made an error.

Describe her error and give the correct answer to each problem.

(a)

Question 1

Simplify.   \(2a \times a \times a\)

Martina’s answer    \(4a\)

Martina’s error is ..................

Correct answer = .................. [2]

(b)

Question 2

Simplify.   \(\dfrac{x^{10}}{x^2}\)

Martina’s answer    \(x^5\)

Martina’s error is ..................

Correct answer = .................. [2]

(c)

Question 3

\(s = ut + \tfrac{1}{2}at^2\)

Find \(s\) when \(u = 0\), \(t = 5\) and \(a = 6\).

Martina’s solution    \(s = 0 \times 5 + \tfrac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 5^2\)
\(s = 0 + 15^2\)
\(s = 225\)

Martina’s error is ..................

Correct answer = .................. [2]

Higher November 2019 Paper 6 Q14

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

14 Write \(\left(\sqrt[4]{8}\right)^5\) as a power of 2. [3]

Higher November 2019 Paper 5 Q3

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksIndicesSimplifying Basic Expressions

3 Martina has answered some questions on algebra.
In each question, she has made an error.

Describe her error and give the correct answer to each problem.

(a) Question 1
Simplify.   \(2a \times a \times a\)

Martina’s answer   \(4a\)
[2]
(b) Question 2
Simplify.   \(\dfrac{x^{10}}{x^2}\)

Martina’s answer   \(x^5\)
[2]
(c) Question 3
\(s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2\)

Find \(s\) when \(u = 0\), \(t = 5\) and \(a = 6\).

Martina’s solution   \(s = 0 \times 5 + \frac{1}{2} \times 6 \times 5^2\)
\(s = 0 + 15^2\)
\(s = 225\)
[2]

Higher June 2019 Paper 4 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

17 Show that \(\left(a^3\right)^{-\frac{1}{3}} \times \left(a^2\right)^{\frac{1}{2}} = 1\). [3]

Higher June 2019 Paper 5 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec2 marksDrawing & Using GraphsIndices

13 Shirley is asked to sketch a graph of \(y = 5^x\) for \(x \geqslant 0\).
She produces the following.

Sketch: a straight line from the origin O going up to the right

The graph has two errors.

How should they be corrected? [2]

Higher June 2019 Paper 5 Q2

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksIndicesSolving Simple Equations

2

(a) Simplify fully.\[\frac{3a^8 \times 2a^5}{a^2}\]

[3]

(b) Solve.\[\frac{6x - 10}{5} = 1\]

[3]

Foundation November 2018 Paper 1 Q14

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksFactorisingIndices

14

(a) Find the value of \(x\) in each of the following.
(i) \(a^4 \times a^3 = a^x\) [1]
(ii) \((b^4)^3 = b^x\) [1]
(b) Factorise fully.

\(18x^2 + 9x\) [2]

Foundation November 2018 Paper 3 Q13

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

13

(a) Work out \(2^4\). [2]
(b) Find the value of \(n\).\[100 = 4 \times 5^n\]

[2]

Foundation June 2018 Paper 3 Q20

OCRFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

20

(a) Show that \(a^5 \times (a^3)^2\) can be expressed as \(a^{11}\). [2]
(b) Write \(\dfrac{1}{125} \times 25^9\) as a power of 5. [3]

Higher June 2018 Paper 5 Q12

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndices

12 Carol says that \(64^{-\frac{1}{2}} = \dfrac{1}{32}\).

Explain her error and give the correct value of \(64^{-\frac{1}{2}}\) in the form \(\dfrac{p}{q}\). [3]

Higher June 2018 Paper 6 Q4

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

4

(a) Show that \(a^5 \times (a^3)^2\) can be expressed as \(a^{11}\). [2]
(b) Write \(\dfrac{1}{125} \times 25^9\) as a power of 5. [3]

Foundation November 2017 Paper 3 Q10

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksIndices

10

(a) Write \(7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 7\) as a power of 7. [1]
(b) Complete this working to write \(4^3\) as a power of 2.
\(4^3 = 4 \times 4\) ……………
so\(4^3 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times\) ……………
so\(4^3 =\) ……………

[2]

(c) Write these numbers in order, starting with the largest.\[8.1 \times 10^1 \qquad 1.02 \times 10^3 \qquad 9.83 \times 10^{-2} \qquad 3 \times 10^2\]

[1]

Higher June 2017 Paper 6 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksIndicesShow That & Proof

17 Show that \(\dfrac{\sqrt[3]{81}}{3}\) can be written as \(3^{\frac{1}{3}}\). [3]

Higher June 2017 Paper 6 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksAlgebraic FractionsIndices

16

(a) Simplify.\[\frac{3y^3}{y^{-4}}\]

[1]

(b) Write as a single fraction in its simplest form.\[\frac{3}{x - 1} + \frac{4}{x + 2}\]

[3]

Foundation June 2017 Paper 2 Q8

OCRFoundationCurrent spec5 marksIndices

8

(a) Evaluate.
(i) \(\sqrt{121}\) [1]
(ii) \(4^{-2}\) [1]
(b) Work out.\[(9 - 3 \times 2)^2\]

[2]

(c) Fill in the power.\[5^{\boxed{\phantom{00}}} = 125\]

[1]

Foundation June 2017 Paper 3 Q3

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksIndices

3

(a) Find the value of \(y\).\[5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 = 5^y\]

[1]

(b) Find the values of \(z\).\[z^2 = 196\]

[2]