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978-1-108-67303-7 — Study and Master Mathematics Study Guide Grade 11 (Blended) English
Noleen Jakins , Deirdre Yeo
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TOPIC 1
XX:
Exponents
XXX and surds

In Grade 10 you worked with the laws of exponents and simplified expressions
involving exponents that were integers. In Grade 11, rational exponents, in
other words exponents that are fractions, are added to the mix. The laws and
methods remain the same, but problems become more complex. A higher level of
factorisation may be required to simplify polynomials and to solve exponential
equations.

Knowledge and skills for this topic

If you struggle with any of the work listed below, revise it before continuing with
this Topic:
• prime numbers and factors
• algebraic manipulation including products, factors and fractions
• factorisation; including common factors, difference of two squares, trinomials,
grouping, sum and difference of two cubes
• basic quadratic equations
• laws, properties and definitions involving exponents
• laws, properties and definitions involving surds.

Content of final exam

• Simplify expressions and solve equations using the laws of exponents for both
integers and rational exponents.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide simple surds.
• Solve simple equations involving surds.

Remember
• Integers include all positive and negative whole numbers.
ℤ ∈ {..., – 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}
• Rational numbers include all numbers that can be written in the form ab where
a, b ∈ ℤ. Rational numbers include all numbers that can be written as fractions.
• An irrational number is a number with an infinite number of digits that cannot
be expressed as an integer or as a ratio (i.e. a non-recurring, non-terminating
decimal).
• 3 is called a surd. Other examples of surds include 7 , 11 , 3 5 , 3 7 , etc.

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Definitions and laws of exponents

Revise exponents and surds by working through the laws, definitions and
applications summarised in the table.

Definition Terminology
n n
x = x · x · x · x ·… until there are n factors x is called the nth power of x.
of x, where x ∈ ℝ, and n ∈ ℕ. n is called the exponent.
n
x is the base of the power x .
n
x is read as ‘x to the nth’.
Laws of Applications Description
exponents

Where x, y > 0 and m, n ∈ ℤ

m
x ×x =x
n m+n 5
10 × 10 = 10 = 10
3 5+3 8 When we multiply two
3 7
2 ×2 =2
3+7
=2
10 powers of the same base,
2 3 2+1 1+3 3 4 we add the exponents.
2x y × 3xy = 6x y = 6x y
n n+3 n+n+3 2n + 3
x ×x =x =x
NB: The base stays the same!
3 7 3+7 10
2 ×2 ≠4 ≠4
m n m–n 5 3 5–3 2 When we divide two
x ÷x =x 10 ÷ 10 = 10 = 10
3 7
2 ÷2 =2
3–7
=2
–4 powers of the same base,
n n+3 n – (n + 3) n–n–3 –3 we subtract the exponents.
x ÷x =x =x =x
5py 3 y3 – 2 y
15p 3 y 2 = 3p 3 – 1 = 3p 2
m n
(x ) = x
mn 5 3
(10 ) = 10
5×3
= 10
15 When we raise to another
3 7 3×7 21 power, we multiply the
(2 ) = 2 =2
exponents.
n n+3 n(n + 3) n2 + 3n
(x ) =x =x
m
x × y = (xy)
m m 5 5
10 × 5 = (10 × 5) = 50
5 5 When we multiply or
And
3 3 3
2 × 3 = (2 × 3) = 6
3 divide two powers with
x m xm different bases that have
2 3 3 2×3 3 6
1y2 = ym (2x ) = 2 x =2 x the same exponent, we
2x 3 23x 3 8x 3 only need to multiply or
NB: If x = y: 1 3y 4 2 = 33 y 4 × 3
=
m m 2 m
27 y12 divide the bases.
x × x = (x ) 3 3
3 × 3 = (3 × 3) = 9
3 3

3 3 3 2×3 6
or 3 × 3 = (3 × 3) = 3 =3
3 3 6 6
NB: 2 × 3 ≠ (2 × 3) ≠ 6
3 4 7 7
2 × 3 ≠ (2 × 3) ≠ 6
Also by definition
–n 1 –5 1 This definition allows us to
x = xn
,x≠0 10 = 10+5
–3 1
move numbers or variables
2 = 2+3
= 81 from the top to the bottom
3 2 of a fraction, or bottom to
= 3x
x –2 top.
0
x =1x≠0
0
10 = 1; 2 = 1; (2ab ) = 1;
0 2 0 Any base (except zero) to
0
(w – 4x) = 1 the power of zero is equal
to 1.
0 0
NB: –10 = –1, but (–10) = +1
3 0 3 0
–(2 ) = –1, but (–2 ) = +1
3 0
–5(2 ) = –5 × 1 = –5

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Exercise 1
This exercise will test your basic understanding of the exponential laws and
definitions.
1. Simplify fully, expressing your answers using positive exponents where
necessary.
8 a3 –8 a5
1.1 16 a5 1.2 16 a3

–8a5 8(–a) –3
1.3 16 a –3 1.4 –16a –5

2. Simplify fully, expressing your answers using positive exponents where

necessary.
2.1 –2x3 × 4x2 × 2x0 2.2 –2x3 × 4x–2 × –2x0
2.3 –2x3 × (4x)–2 × (–2x)0 2.4 (–2x)–3 × 4x–2 × – 20x

3. Simplify fully.
3.1 (2n – 1)2 3.2 (2 · xn – 1)3
3.3 (2n – 1)–3 3.4 (2–2 · xn – 1)2
3.5 [(–2n – 1)2]0 3.6 [(–20xn)2] – 1

4. Simply fully.
(a + b) (a + b)
4.1 (a + b) 4.2 (a + b)2

(a + b) –1 (a + b)0
4.3 (a + b) –2 4.4 (a + b)

Simplifying expressions involving rational

exponents
m n
• By definition: a n = a m ; a > 0; n > 0.
Note 7 2
• Use this law to change from exponential into surd form, e.g. a 2 = a7 .
This law can be 3
5
used to change from • Also use this law to change from surd into exponential form, e.g. a3 = a 5 .
exponential into surd • This law can be used together with any of the other exponential laws to evaluate
form or from surd into
or to simplify exponential expressions and equations.
exponential form.

Worked examples
Evaluate each of the following without the use of a calculator. Show all working.
2. 81– 4 3. 0,360,5
1 3
1. 25 2

Solutions
Note 1

The exponential laws 1. 25 2 = 25 = 5

can often be used in a
different order, which 2. Method 1: Changing from exponential into surd form
results in slightly
81– 4 = 81–3 =
3 4 1 1 1
different methods.
4
813
= 33
= 27
Method 2: Use the exponential laws
81– 4 = (34)– 4 = 3–3 =
3 3 1 1
33
= 27

3. 0,360,5 = 0,36 2 = 0,36 = 0,6

1

OR 0,360,5 = 0,36 2 = (0,62) 2 = 0,6

1 1

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How to present your working and answers in exams

Problems involving only numbers can be simplified using a scientific calculator.
You may use your calculator to check your answer, but if you only give the answer
you won’t get any marks, because the examiner wants to see that you understand the
method used to simplify the problem. So be sure to show ALL YOUR WORKING.
In your working, include rewriting all composite numbers as powers of prime
numbers, e.g. 81 = 34, or as the product of their prime factors,
e.g. 152 = (3 · 5)2 = 32 × 52.

Worked examples
Note
It is not always Simplify each of the expressions, leaving your answers with positive exponents.
necessary to give your
1
– 13
27a3b6 –2
1. 3 2. 1 –x 2 2 3. 1 –2x –2 2
answers using positive 64c9 x
3
2
(–2x)
exponents. So if you
are not asked to do Solutions
so, you may leave 3 3 6 1
3ab2
12764acb 2 = 1 34acb 2
3 6
3
answers with negative 1. 3
9 3 9 =
4c3
exponents. For
3n – 3
example 8x 3n looks 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
2. 1 –x 2 2 = 1 x– 2 2 = 1x 2 + 2 2 2 = (x2) 2 = x
2

simpler than 8x3 . x

3
2 x
3
2
x
1 1 1 1 1 3
+
OR 1 x
2 = 1 xx– 2 = x4
= x1 = x
2 2 2

– 23 3 3 = x4 4
x 2 x– 4

1 – 13 – 13 – 2 2
– 2
2
– 13 2

3. 1 –2x –2 2– 3 = 1 –2 x 2 = 1 –2 x 2 = –2 = –2–1x0 = – 12
–2 3 3
2 2 2
3
x3 3
(–2x) (–2x) –2 x 3 3 3

–2x –2 – 3 –2x –2 – 3 – 13 – 13
1 1
OR 1 2 =1 2 = 1–2x–2 · –22x22 = 1–232 = –2–1 = – 12
(–2x) –2 –2 –2x –2

Exercise 2
1. Rewrite each term in surd form.
2 2 2
1.1 x3 1.2 a7 1.3 y2 3
x
1.4 t1,5 1.5 by

2. Rewrite each term with rational exponents.

5
2.1 z3 2.2 3 p 2.3 x2
n
2.4 xn 2.5 x5

3. Evaluate each of the expressions given below, without the use of a calculator.
Show all working.
1 –2
1 3
(–2–6) 3 2 –3
2
3.1 3.2 12 4 2 + 16,252 2 3.3 132 + 1
1
64 2
– 13
(–9 × –25)– 2
1 1 3 1
52 × 20 4 × 2 2
3.4 1 –2
(–2) –2
2 3.5 3
54
3.6

4. Simplify fully, leaving your answer with positive exponents.

1

3(16x 4) 4
3 2
10 3 5
4.1 9a 2 × a 3b–1 4.2 2 –2 × b ÷ b–1 4.3
3
2
3
– 13 1
12 –1b2
3
(3b ) 2

5. Determine the value of (0,25)t ÷ (0,125) p if t = 3

4
and p = – 12 .

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Products and factors involving rational

exponents
Solving more complicated exponential problems may rest on your ability to expand
and factorise exponential expressions that have more than one term.

Remember
Don’t forget the basic exponential laws:
Remember 3 1 3
+1 3
+2 5
2 • When multiplying variables, ADD exponents: x 4 × x 2 = x 4 2 = x 4 4 = x 4
(a + b) 3 1 3
– 1 3
– 2 1
2
= a + 2ab + b
2 • When dividing variables, SUBTRACT exponents: x 4 ÷ x 2 = x 4 2 = x4 4 = x4
3 1 3 1 3
(a + b)(a – b) • When raising to a power, MULTIPLY exponents. (x 4 ) 2 = x 4
× 2 = x8
2 2
=a –b
2 2
(a + b)(a – ab + b ) Products of exponents
3 3
=a +b
2 2
(a – b)(a + ab + b ) Worked examples
3
=a –b
3 Give the products.
1 1 2 1 2
(2a – 1)(3a – 2) 1. (3a – b 2 )2 2. (3a 2 – b 3 ) × (3a 2 + b 3 )
2
= 6a – 7a + 2 2 4 2 1 1
3. (a 3 – 3)(a 3 + 3a 3 + 9) 4. (2a 2 – 1)(3a 2 – 2)

Solutions 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 + 1
1. (3a – b 2 )2 = (3a)2 – 2(3ab 2 ) + (b 2 )2 Be careful! b 2 × b 2 = b 2
1 1 1
2
1
=b
1
×
1 b ×b ≠b
2 2 2 2
= b 4 !!
= 9a – 6ab + b
2 2

If you recognise this as the difference of

two squares, you can simply multiply the
1 2 1 2
2. (3a – b ) × (3a + b )
2 3 2 3

1 2 1 2 4 inner and the outer terms. But be careful!

= 9a1 + 3a 2 b 3 – 3a 2 b 3 – b 3 2 2 2
+ 2 4

4
b3 × b3 = b3 3
= b3
= 9a – b 3 2
b3 × b3 ≠ b3
2 2
× 2
3
≠ b9
4

2 4 2 6 4 2 4 2
3. (a 3 – 3)(a 3 + 3a 3 + 9) = a 3 + 3a 3 + 9a 3 – 3a 3 – 9a 3 – 27 = a2 – 27
Note
In question 3, the 1 1 1 1 1

product is actually
4. (2a 2 – 1)(3a 2 – 2) = 6a – 4a 2 – 3a 2 + 2 = 6a – 7a 2 + 2 = 6a – 7 a + 2
the difference of two
cubes. You need only Factorising with exponents
multiply out the inner
and the outer terms. Remember
Expressions can be factorised using one or more of the basic methods also used for
algebraic expressions, which are:
• common factors
• difference of two squares
• trinomials
• grouping
• sum or difference of two cubes.

Worked examples
Factorise each of the expressions given below.
1. 4x – 2x · 3 2. ax +2 2 – 3a4x + 1
3. 4x – 25 4. 4a 3 – 9b 5
5. a–b 6. x–5 x +6
7. 32x – 26 · 3x – 27 8. 3x–2 + 2x–1 – 1

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Solutions
1. 4x – 2x · 3 = 2x(2x – 3)
Common factors
2. ax + 2 – 3ax + 1 = ax + 1(a – 3)

3. 4x – 25 = 22x – 25 = (2x – 5)(2x + 5)

2 4 1 2 1 2
The difference of
4. 4a 3 – 9b 5 = (2a 3 – 3b 5 )(2a 3 + 3b 5 ]
two squares
1 1 1 1
5. a – b = (a 2 – b 2 )(a 2 + b 2 )
1
6. Rewrite the trinomial expression using n x = x n :
Trinomials
x – 5 x 1+ 6
= x –1 5x 2 + 61
= (x 2 – 3)(x 2 – 2) Factorise the trinomial.

7. 32x – 26 · 3x – 27
Note
Let 3x = p, then 32x = p2
Using a suitable ∴ 32x – 26 · 3x – 27 = p2 – 26p – 27
substitution can help
when factorising = (p – 27)(p + 1)
trinomials. Replace p with 3x:
∴ (3x)2 – 26(3x) – 27 = (3x – 27)(3x + 1)

8. 3x–2 + 2x–1 – 1 = (3x–1 – 1)(x–1 + 1)

(Remember that x–2 = x–1 × x–1)

Exercise 3
1. Expand the following products.
1 1 1 1 1 –1
1.1 (a 2 + b 2 )( a – b) 1.2 (x 3 – x 3 )(x 3 + x 3 )
1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
1.3 (3a 3 + 7b 5 )2 1.4 (a 2 + b 2 )(a 4 – b 4 )(a 4 + b 4 )
1
2. If x = 3 2 , calculate the value of (x3 + 3)2. Do not use a calculator, and show
all steps in your working.

3. Factorise the following.

3.1 2 · 7x + 1 + 3 · 7x + 2 3.2 ax + 2 + ax – 1 – ax
3x 3 – 13 x– 3
2 2 2 2
3.3 25x – 36z 5 3 3.4
2 1
3.5 3x 3 – 2x 3 – 21 3.6 2x + 7 x – 15
3.7 3 2x + 1
–4·3 +1 x
3.8 3x–2 + 2x–1 – 1

Simplifying expressions using factors

The problems you’ll get can be divided into two types:

Type 1 Type 2
Simplifying expressions with Simplifying expressions with
only one term more than one term
(terms are separated by +
or – signs)

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Type 1: Simplifying expressions with only one term

This involves only multiplication or division.

Worked examples
Simplify fully.
1. 23x – 5 · 1 14 22x – 3 · 2x + 2 2. 24x + 1 · 9 x · 62x – 1
123x · 3x

Solutions
1. 23x – 5 · 1 14 22x – 3 · 2x + 2 = 23x – 5 · (2–2)2x – 3 · 2x + 2 Express numbers as products of
Steps prime factors where necessary.
1. Rewrite all = 23x – 5 · 2–4x + 6 · 2x + 2 Raise to the power required.
composite numbers = 23x – 5 – 4x + 6 + x + 2 Collect all like bases together.
as a product of = 23 = 8 Simplify fully.
their prime factors.
2. Use exponential 24x + 1 · 9 x · 62x – 1
laws to raise 2.
123x · 3x
all powers 4x + 1
· (32) x · (2 · 3)2x – 1
appropriately. =2 Express numbers as products of
(22 · 3)3x · 3x
3. Use the rule for prime factors where necessary.
division to move 4x + 1
· 32x · 22x – 1 · 32x – 1
all bases into the =2 Raise to the power required.
26x · 33x · 3x
numerator. 4x + 1 + 2x – 1 – 6x 2x + 2x – 1 – 3x – x
=2 ·3 Group like bases.
4. Simplify.
0 –1
=2 ·3 Simplify.
–1
=1·3
1
= 3

Type 2: Simplifying expressions with more than one

term
Terms are separated by + or – signs.

Worked examples
Simplify fully.
1. 3x + 1 – 3x + 3x – 1 3. ___________
5n + 1 – 5n – 1 2 · 5n + 1 + 3 · 5n + 2
2. 4 · 5 n + 1 – 3 · 5x
3 · 5n – 2

4. 22x – 2 x – 6 5. 4 · 32m – 54 p .
2x + 2 2 · 3m – 52 p

Solutions
1. 3x + 1 – 3x + 3x – 1 = 3x(3 – 1 + 3–1) Note
= 3x12 13 2 The only way to simplify expressions
separated by + and – signs is to use
= 3x · 7
3 factorisation.
x–1
=7·3
Note
5n + 1 – 5n – 1
Use common factors 2.
3 · 5n – 2
to simplify the fraction n 1 –1
and to eliminate the = 5 (5 n– 5–2)
3 · 5 ·5
variable. Simplify 1
5–
further using your = 3
5

knowledge of common 25

fractions. = 24
× 25
=8
25 3

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2 · 5n + 1 + 3 · 5n + 2 Note
3.
4 · 5n + 1 – 3 · 5n
1 In this case it is necessary to factorise both
n
+ 3 · 52)
= 5 (2n · 5 the bottom and the top of the fraction.
5 (4 · 51 – 3)
1
Simplify further using basic numeracy and
+ 3 · 52 your knowledge of common fractions.
= 2·5
4 · 51 – 3
10 + 75 85
= 20 – 3
= 17
=5
Note
22x – 2 x – 6
Use trinomial factors 4.
2x + 2
to simplify this (2 x – 3)(2 x + 2)
fraction. Cancel terms =
(2 x + 2)
that are the same. =2 –3
x

4 · 32m – 54 p
5.
Note 2 · 3m – 52 p

In this case, it
m
– 52 p)(2 · 3m + 52 p)
= (2 · 3
may help to use a (2 · 3m – 52 p)
m 2p
substitute variable. =2·3 +5
Let 3m = x and 52p = y.
Then by substitution Exercise 4
4x2 – y2 1. Simplify fully.
= (2x + y)(2x – y) 8x · 6 x – 1
1.1 62 – x · 12x ÷ 2x – 1 1.2 x 1.3 25x + 1 · 6 x
27 3 · 16 x 10 x – 1 · 15x
6 (3n + 1) n+1
18 (2 · 31 – x)2
x
1.4 ÷ 2 ·n92 – 1 1.5
(3 n) n – 1 3 2x – 1

2. Simplify fully.
3a +1 – 3a –1 3 . 2m – 4 . 2m+ 2
1
9 2 x – 3x –1
2.1 2.2 2.3
3x + 2 3a – 3a – 2 2 m – 2 m +1
2x +1
x
9 –1 x+ x–2 2 + 2x – 3
2.4 2.5 2.6
3x + 1 x –1 x
4 –1

Exponential equations
There are two types of exponential equations:

Type 1 Type 2
Equations with the exponent Equations with the base as
as the unknown the unknown

Type 1: Variable is in an exponent

Equations with one term on either side of the equation
This type of equation is using the basic premise that if ax = ab then x = b for a ≠ 0
or a ≠ ±1. The goal is therefore to express both sides of the equation with the same
base so that we can equate the exponents.

Worked examples
If x ∈ ℝ, solve for x in the following equations.
1. 4x – 1 = 8–1 2. (5x – 2)x = 125
= 4x – 4
2
3. 1 12 2x +9
4. 4 · 37x = 9 · 27x

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Solutions
1. 4x – 1 = 8–1
(22)x – 1 = (23)–1 Express each term as a product of its prime factors.
22x – 2 = 2–3
2x – 2 = – 3 Equate the exponents.
2x = – 1
∴ x = – 12 Solve for x.

2. (5x – 2)x = 125

5x – 2x = 53
2
Express each term as a product of its prime factors.
∴ x2 – 2x = 3 Equate the exponents.
x2 – 2x – 3 = 0 Factorise to solve the trinomial.
(x – 3)(x + 1) = 0
∴ x = 3 or x = –1

3. 1 12 2x + 9 = 4x – 4
2

(2–1)x + 9 = (22)x – 4
2
Express each term as a product of its prime factors.
–x2 – 9 = 2x – 8
0 = x2 + 2x + 1
0 = (x + 1)(x + 1)
∴x=–1

4. 4 · 37x = 9 · 27x Rearrange each side as a fraction to get equal bases.

37x 9
2 7x
= 4
Express each term as a product of its prime factors.
7x 2
3 3
2 7x
= 22
7x = 2
2
∴x= 7

More than one term on each side of equation

Type 1: The exponent is x: collect the terms with an exponent of x on the LHS, and
write the constant on the RHS. Take out a common factor from the LHS.
Type 2: If one of the terms has an exponent of 2x, e.g. 32x, this indicates a quadratic
equation. Write in standard form, and equate to zero. Factorise and set each of the
factors equal to zero and solve.

Worked examples
Solve for x if x ∈ ℝ.
1. 3x – 3x – 2 = 24 2. 3 · 32x – 4 · 3x = –1
3. 4x + 1 – 64 = 0 4. 2 · 2x – 8 · 2–x – 15 = 0

Solutions
1. 3x – 3x – 2 = 24
3x(1 – 3–2) = 24 Factorise using common factors.
3x 1 89 2 = 24 Simplify.
3x = 24 × 98
3x = 27 Express each term as a product of its prime factors.
3x = 33 Equate the exponents once the bases are equal.
∴x=3

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2. 3 · 32x – 4 · 3x + 1 = 0
(3 · 3x – 1)(3x – 1) = 0 Factorise the trinomial.
∴ 3 · 3x – 1 = 0 or 3x – 1 = 0 Set each factor equal to zero and
solve for x.
3·3 =3 x 0
or 3 =3
x 0

1+x=0 or x=0
∴ x = –1 or x=0

3. 4x + 1 – 64 = 0
Note
22x + 2 – 64 = 0 This is the difference of two squares.
This problem can also
(2 · 2x – 8)(2 · 2x + 8) = 0
be solved by setting
each of the terms 2 · 2x – 8 = 0 or 2 · 2x + 8 = 0
equal to each other: 2 · 2x = 23 or 2 · 2x = –23
x+1
4 – 64 = 0 ∴1+x=3 No solution, base 2 ≠ base (– 2)
2x + 2 6
2 =2 ∴x=2
2x + 2 = 6
∴x=2
4. 2 · 2x – 8 · 2–x – 15 = 0 This is a trinomial expression.
–n
2·2 –
x 8
– 15 = 0 1
Use x = n to express the trinomial with positive
2x x
exponents.
2 · (2x)2 – 8 – 15 · 2x = 0 Use the common denominator of 2 .
x

2 · 22x – 15 · 2x – 8 = 0
(2 · 2x + 1)(2x – 8) = 0
∴ 2 · 2x + 1 = 0 or 2x – 8 = 0
2 · 2 = –2 or
x 0
2x = 8
2x + 1 = –20 or 2x = 23
No solution, base 2 ≠ base –2 ∴ x = 3 is the only solution

Type 2: Variable is in a base

Remember Worked examples
If the unknown If x ∈ ℝ, solve for x.
variable (say x) is a
2. x– 2 = 64
2 3
base, we raise both 1. 2x 3 = 32 3. 2x + 7 x – 15 = 0
sides to the same
power (the reciprocal Solutions
of the power of x) 2

in order to change
1. 2x 3 = 32 First divide by 2, which is the coefficient of x.
2
the exponent of the x = 16 3

unknown to 1. 2 3
(x ) 2 = ±(16) 2
3
3
Raise both sides to the reciprocal power.
3
x = ±(2 ) 4 2
Express 16 as a product of its prime factors.
NB: Surds that have
even roots have two
x = ±2 6

possible answers so ∴ x = ±64

3 3
2
16 2 = 163 = ±(16) 2 .
x– 2 = 64
3
2.
(x– 2 )– 3 = (64)– 3
3 2 2
Note that the reciprocal
NB: Surds that have power must also be negative.
odd roots only have
x = (26)– 3
2

one possible answer,

so 64
– 23 3 –2
= 64 . x = 2–4
1
∴x= 16

10 S T U DY & M A S T E R M A T H E M A T I C S S T U DY G U I D E G R A D E 1 1

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