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Year 9 · Patterns & Algebra

Multiply and divide algebraic terms

Algebraic terms multiply by multiplying the numbers and adding the indices; divide by dividing the numbers and subtracting the indices.

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How to do it

  1. Numbers first.
  2. Then the letters, using the index laws.

Worked example

Simplify: 15y⁵ ÷ 3y⁴
Divide the numbers (15 ÷ 3 = 5) and subtract the indices (5 − 4 = 1): 5y.
Answer: 5y

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Add the indices, do not multiply them.

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