Introducing the notation for powers (indices), this video explains where the rules for combining powers come from. The interpretation of negative and fractional powers is explained, as are the special cases of a variable raised to the powers one and zero.

Additional information

This video is part of a collection on Plymouth University’s Mathematical Sciences YouTube channel. 

Introductory maths for higher education

Cartoon of professor with moustache pointing at a blackboard

Learn about the fundamental principles behind mathematical concepts important for higher education chemistry courses including worked examples of using logarithms, indices and the chain rule.