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0580/32 May/Jun 2025, Question 21: Zero and Negative Indices with Letters

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics 0580 · Paper 32 (Core) · Calculator · 3 marks

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The question, in short

Simplify two algebraic expressions involving powers, one with a power raised to a power and one multiplying terms with the same bases.

Summarised in our own words. Use the official paper for the exact wording and any diagrams.

Part (a) · 1 mark

Simplify the expression (w³)¹⁰ by applying the power rule for indices.

  1. 1Power of a power: multiply the indices, 3 × 10 = 30
  2. 2(w³)¹⁰ = w³⁰

Answerw³⁰

Part (b) · 2 marks

Simplify t⁶v⁷ × t³v⁻² by combining the powers of t and of v.

  1. 1t⁶ × t³ = t⁶⁺³ = t⁹
  2. 2v⁷ × v⁻² = v⁷⁻² = v⁵
  3. 3= t⁹v⁵

Answert⁹v⁵

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Also searched as: 0580/32/M/J/25 · 0580_s25_qp_32 · 0580 s25 32 · question 21.
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