Mathematics Index Notation Notes
Here we will learn about simple index notation including how to write an expression using index notation and how to simplify expressions written in index form.
What is index notation?
Index notation is a way of representing numbers (constants) and variables (e.g. x and y) that have been multiplied by themselves a number of times.
Below are all examples of expressions involving index notations:
We use index notations to simplify expressions or solve equations involving powers.
Examples
Simplify 16 × 16 × 16 × 16
16 is being multiplied by itself 4 times.
We can therefore write this as 16⁴
This is said as “16 to the power of 4”
Simplify n × n × n × n
n is being multiplied by itself 4 times.
We can therefore write this as n⁴
This is said as “n to the power of 4”
Simplify 6y × 6y × 6y × 6y
6y is being multiplied by itself 4 times.
We can therefore write this as 6y⁴
This is said as “6y to the power of 4”