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Negative Index Laws Proofs

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Negative Index Laws Proofs worksheet preview

Negative Index Laws Proofs

Mathematical proof illustration

📚 Part 1: Daily Review - Positive Index Laws

1. Which index law is represented by a3 × a5 = a8?

Addition law: am × an = am+n

Subtraction law: am ÷ an = am-n

Power law: (am)n = amn

2. Simplify: 24 ÷ 24 = ____________

Hint: What happens when you divide identical terms?

3. Using index laws, what is a5 ÷ a7?

a2

a-2

a12

🔍 Part 2: Developing Negative Index Proofs

4. WALT: Develop and test mathematical proofs for index laws involving negative indices.

Success Criteria: I can explain negative indices using mathematical reasoning and construct step-by-step proofs.

5. Complete this proof that a-m = 1/am:

Step 1: Start with am ÷ am = ____________

Step 2: Using index laws: am ÷ am = am-m = a___

Step 3: We know a0 = ____________

Step 4: Now consider a0 ÷ am = a0-m = a___

Step 5: But a0 ÷ am = 1 ÷ am = ____________

Step 6: Therefore: a-m = ____________

6. Use your proof to explain why 3-2 = 1/9:
7. Extension Challenge: Prove that (a-2)3 = a-6 using the power law:

✏️ Part 3: Application and Reflection

8. Simplify these expressions using negative index laws:

a) 5-3 = ____________

b) x4 × x-7 = ____________

c) (2y)-2 = ____________

9. Check all the statements that are true:

4-1 = -4

4-1 = 1/4

x-3 × x3 = 1

(ab)-2 = 1/(a2b2)

10. Exit Ticket: Explain why 2-3 = 1/23 using your own words or a brief proof outline:

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