Indices - common mistakes made
September 28th, 2007 | by limeehai |The format for indices are one of the simplest in maths. In its simplest form ax = Y.
But mistakes are still being made! Why?
Firstly, the writing skill of students has to improve.
When the power of a number (base) has to be written higher up and smaller than the base number, it has to be so.
Error: ax = Y written as ax = Y ==> the power “x” has changed meaning.
Secondly, understanding of the Laws of Indices is not fully digested.
Error: a0 = 1 misunderstood as a0 = 0 ==> concept of power is wrong as it became multiplication instead of division (e.g. a2 / a2 = 1).
Thirdly, the function of brackets is not fully used.
Brackets can isolate the powers when many manipulations or operations are done to simplify index terms.
Error-1: x4 / x 2-n = x4-(2-n) = x2+n became = x4-2-n = x2-n . The sign for the small “n” is wrong.
Error-2: (xy)2 = x2 y2 taken as x y2 forgetting that “x” is affected by the power 2 also.
How to solve this common indices mistakes?
Practice and practice, and clarify thoughts. This is different from learning other subjects where practicing of questions are not that intensive. Maths is a flexible and though-twisting subject that embodies many thinking skills. Work hard!
Article submitted by: Lim Ee Hai
Article Source: http://www.limeehai.com
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