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CBSE Important Questions for Class 7 Maths Exponents and Powers - 2025-26

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Exponents and Powers Class 7 important questions with answers PDF download

Discover essential questions for Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 in a convenient PDF format, meticulously reviewed by subject experts to ensure accuracy. Access reliable and error-free Exponents and Powers Class 7 important question solutions. Click the provided link to download all NCERT solutions for Chapter 10. Explore additional Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 extra questions for a comprehensive understanding of the topic.


Vedantu, a platform offering free CBSE Solutions (NCERT) and study materials, is a valuable resource for students. Those seeking enhanced solutions can benefit from downloading Class 7 Maths NCERT Solutions, aiding in thorough syllabus revision and improved exam scores. Register online for NCERT Solutions Class 7 Science tuition on Vedantu.com to boost your performance in CBSE board examinations.

Study Important Questions for Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 - Exponents and Powers

Very Short Answer Questions                                                                  1 Mark

1. Find $\mathbf{{2^8}}$.

Ans: Given: ${2^8}$

We need to find the value of the given exponent.

We can rewrite ${2^8}$ to find its value as

${2^8} = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2$

${2^8} = 256$


2. Express the following in exponential form $\mathbf{2 \times 2 \times a \times a}$.

Ans: Given: $2 \times 2 \times a \times a$

We need to write the given expression as an exponential form.

A number can be written in its exponential form if we raise the power of the number by the exponent.

Therefore, exponential form of $2 \times 2 \times a \times a$ is

$2 \times 2 \times a \times a $

$ = {2^2} \times {a^2} $

$ = 4{a^2} $


3. Find $\mathbf{{( - 4)^3}}$.

Ans: Given: ${( - 4)^3}$

We need to find the value of a given exponent.

We can rewrite ${( - 4)^3}$ to find its value as

${( - 4)^3} =  - 4 \times  - 4 \times  - 4 $

${( - 4)^3} =  - 64 $


4. $\mathbf{{a^m} \times {a^n}}$=_______?

Ans: Given: ${a^m} \times {a^n}$

We need to fill in the blanks.

Therefore, ${a^m} \times {a^n}$$ = \underline {{a^{m + n}}} $


5. $\mathbf{{a^0} = \_\_\_\_\_?}$

Ans: Given: ${a^0}$

We need to find the value of a given expression.

We know that if $0$ is the power of any number then the value of the number is always $1.$

Therefore, ${a^0} = \underline {1.} $


Short Answer Questions                                                                          2 Mark

6. Express 16807 in exponential form.

Ans: Given: $16807$

We need to express the given number in exponential form.

Exponential form is a way to represent a number in repeated multiplications of the same number.

So, we can write $16807$ as
$16807 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 7 $

$16807 = {7^5} $


7. Identify which is greater $\mathbf{{2^7}{\text{ or }}{7^2}}$.

Ans: Given: exponents ${2^7},{7^2}$

We need to find which exponent is greater. 

We will find the value of each exponent and then compare it.

We can write the exponents as

${2^7} = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 $ 

${2^7} = 128 $

${7^2} = 7 \times 7 $

${7^2} = 49 $

Clearly, we can see that 

${2^7} > {7^2}$


8. Simplify $\mathbf{{7^3} \times {2^5}}$.

Ans: Given: ${7^3} \times {2^5}$

We need to simplify the given exponential expression.

We can simplify the given expression as 

${7^3} \times {2^5} = 7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2$

${7^3} = 343 \times 32 $

${7^3} = 10976 $


9. Write 1024 as a power of 2.

Ans: Given: $1024$

We need to write the given expression as power of $2$

Break $1024$ in factors of 2 and write as exponents.

Therefore, $1024$ as power of $2$ will be written as

$1024 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 $

$\Rightarrow 1024 = {2^{10}} $


10. Using laws, find the value of $\mathbf{\left( {{3^{15}} \div {3^{10}}} \right) \times {3^2}}$.

Ans: Given: $\left( {{3^{15}} \div {3^{10}}} \right) \times {3^2}$

We need to find the value of a given expression using laws.

We know that

$\dfrac{{{a^m}}}{{{a^n}}} = {a^{m - n}} $

${a^m} \times {a^n} = {a^{m + n}} $

Using these laws, the value of $\left( {{3^{15}} \div {3^{10}}} \right) \times {3^2}$ will be

$= \left( {{3^{15}} \div {3^{10}}} \right) \times {3^2} $

$= \dfrac{{{3^{15}}}}{{{3^{10}}}} \times {3^2} $

$= {3^{15 - 10}} \times {3^2} $

$= {3^5} \times {3^2} $

$= {3^{5 + 2}} $

$= {3^7} $

 $= 2187 $


11. Find $\mathbf{8 \times {10^5} + 0 \times {10^4} + 3 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 0 \times {10^1} + 5 \times {10^0}}$.

Ans: Given: $8 \times {10^5} + 0 \times {10^4} + 3 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 0 \times {10^1} + 5 \times {10^0}$

We need to find the value of the given expression.

We will solve the given exponents and then add them.

Therefore, the value of $8 \times {10^5} + 0 \times {10^4} + 3 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 0 \times {10^1} + 5 \times {10^0}$ will be

$= 8 \times 100000 + 0000 + 3 \times 1000 + 2 \times 100 + 00 + 5 \times 1 $

$= 800000 + 0 + 3000 + 200 + 0 + 5 $

$= 803205 $ 


12. Say True or False and Justify.

  1. $\mathbf{{5^2} > {4^3}}$

Ans: Given: ${5^2} > {4^3}$

We need to find if the given expression is true or false.

We will solve the exponents and then compare them.

${5^2} = 25 $

${4^3} = 64 $

$25 < 64 $

$\Rightarrow {5^2} < {4^3} $

Therefore, the expression is False.

  1. $\mathbf{{5^0} = {343^0}}$

Ans: Given: ${5^0} = {343^0}$

We need to find if the given expression is true or false.

We will solve the exponents and then compare them.

${5^0} = 1 $

${343^0} = 1 $

$\therefore {5^0} = {343^0} $

Therefore, the expression is true.


13. Find the value of $\mathbf{\left( {{3^0} + {2^0}} \right) \times {5^1}}$.

Ans: Given: $\left( {{3^0} + {2^0}} \right) \times {5^1}$

We need to find the value of a given expression.

We know that ${a^0} = 1$

Therefore, the value of $\left( {{3^0} + {2^0}} \right) \times {5^1}$ will be

$= \left( {{3^0} + {2^0}} \right) \times {5^1} $

$= (1 + 1) \times 5 $

$= 2 \times 5 $

$= 10 $

14. Find $\mathbf{\left( {\dfrac{{{a^6}}}{{{a^4}}}} \right) \times {a^{ - 2}} \times {a^0}}$.

Ans: Given: $\left( {\dfrac{{{a^6}}}{{{a^4}}}} \right) \times {a^{ - 2}} \times {a^0}$

We need to find the value of the given expression.

We know that 

$\dfrac{{{a^m}}}{{{a^n}}} = {a^{m - n}} $

${a^m} \times {a^n} = {a^{m + n}} $

${a^0} = 1 $ 

Therefore, $\left( {\dfrac{{{a^6}}}{{{a^4}}}} \right) \times {a^{ - 2}} \times {a^0}$ will be

$= \left( {{a^{6 - 4}}} \right) \times {a^{ - 2}} \times {a^0} $

$= {a^2} \times {a^{ - 2}} \times 1 $

$= {a^{2 + ( - 2)}} $

$= {a^0} $

$= 1 $ 


15. Find $\mathbf{{27^p} \div {27^2}}$.

Ans: Given: ${27^p} \div {27^2}$

We need to find the given expression.

We know that 

$\frac{{{a}^{m}}}{{{a}^{n}}}={{a}^{m-n}}$
Therefore, ${27^p} \div {27^2}$ will be

$= {\left( {{3^3}} \right)^p} \div {\left( {{3^3}} \right)^2} $

$= \dfrac{{{3^{3p}}}}{{{3^6}}} $

$= {3^{3p - 6}} $

$= {3^{3(p - 2)}} $ 


Short Answer Questions                                                                          2 Mark

16. Express each of the following as product of prime factor

  1. $\mathbf{702}$

Ans: We need to express the given expression as product of prime factor

Exponential form is a way to represent a number in repeated multiplications of the same number.

Therefore, $702$ can be written as a product of prime factors as

$702 = 2 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 13 $

$= {2^1} \times {3^3} \times {13^1} $

  1. $\mathbf{33275}$

Ans: Given: $33275$

We need to express the given expression as a product of prime factors.

Exponential form is a way to represent a number in repeated multiplications of the same number.

Therefore, $33275$ can be written as a product of prime factors as

$33275 = 5 \times 5 \times 11 \times 11 \times 11 $

$= {5^2} \times {11^3} $


17. Using the laws find

  1. $\mathbf{\left( {{{\left( {{3^3}} \right)}^2} \times {3^2}} \right) \div {3^7}}$

Ans: Given:  $\left( {{{\left( {{3^3}} \right)}^2} \times {3^2}} \right) \div {3^7}$

We need to find the value of a given expression using laws.

We know that

$\dfrac{{{a^m}}}{{{a^n}}} = {a^{m - n}} $

${a^m} \times {a^n} = {a^{m + n}} $ 

Therefore, the value of $\left( {{{\left( {{3^3}} \right)}^2} \times {3^2}} \right) \div {3^7}$ will be

$= \left( {{3^6} \times {3^2}} \right) \div {3^7} $

$= \left( {{3^{6 + 2}}} \right) \div {3^7} $

$= {3^8} \div {3^7} $

$= {3^{8 - 7}} $

$= {3^1} $

$= 3 $ 

  1. $\mathbf{\dfrac{{{3^6}{a^8}{b^4}}}{{{3^2}{a^2}{b^3}}}}$

Ans: Given:  $\dfrac{{{3^6}{a^8}{b^4}}}{{{3^2}{a^2}{b^3}}}$

We need to find the value of a given expression using laws.

We know that

$\dfrac{{{a^m}}}{{{a^n}}} = {a^{m - n}} $

${a^m} \times {a^n} = {a^{m + n}} $
Therefore, the value of $\dfrac{{{3^6}{a^8}{b^4}}}{{{3^2}{a^2}{b^3}}}$ will be

$= \dfrac{{{3^6}{a^8}{b^4}}}{{{3^2}{a^2}{b^3}}} $

$= {3^{6 - 2}} \times {a^{8 - 2}} \times {b^{4 - 3}} $

$= {3^4} \times {a^6} \times {b^1} $

$= 81{a^6}{b^1} $ 


18. Express each of the following as product of prime factors

  1. $\mathbf{729 \times 625}$

Ans: We need to express the given expression as product of prime factor

Exponential form is a way to represent a number in repeated multiplications of the same number.

Therefore, $729 \times 625$ can be written as a product of prime factors as

$729 = 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 $ 

$= {3^6} $ 

$625 = 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 $

$= {5^4} $

$\therefore 729 \times 625 = {3^6} \times {5^4} $

  1. $\mathbf{1024 \times 216}$

Ans: Given: $1024 \times 216$

We need to express the given expression as a product of prime factors.

Exponential form is a way to represent a number in repeated multiplications of the same number.

Therefore, $1024 \times 216$ can be written as a product of prime factors as

\[\begin{align} & 1024=2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2\times 2={{2}^{10}} \\ & 216=2\times 2\times 2\times 3\times 3\times 3={{2}^{3}}\times {{3}^{3}} \\  & \therefore 1024\times 216={{2}^{10}}\times \ {{2}^{3}}\times {{3}^{3}} \\  & \,\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ={{2}^{10+3}}\times {{3}^{3}} \\  & \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ={{2}^{13}}\times {{3}^{3}} \\ \end{align}\]


19. Express the following as standard form

  1. $\mathbf{3,68,878}$

Ans: Given: $3,68,878$

We need to express the given number as a standard form.

We will write the given numbers as a multiple of power of $10.$

Therefore, the standard form of $3,68,878$ will be

$= 3.68878 \times 100000 $

$= 3.68878 \times {10^5} $ 

  1. $\mathbf{4,78,25,00,000}$

Ans: Given: $4,78,25,00,000$

We need to express the given number as a standard form.

We will write the given numbers as a multiple of power of $10.$

Therefore, the standard form of $4,78,25,00,000$ will be

$= 4.7825 \times 1000000000 $

$= 4.7825 \times {10^9} $ 

  1. $\mathbf{5706.983}$

Ans: Given: $5706.983$

We need to express the given number as a standard form.

We will write the given numbers as a multiple of power of $10.$

Therefore, the standard form of $5706.983$ will be

$= 5.706983 \times 1000 $

$= 5.706983 \times {10^3} $ 


20. Find the numbers

  1. $\mathbf{8 \times {10^5} + 2 \times {10^2} + 4 \times {10^1}}$

Ans: Given: $8 \times {10^5} + 2 \times {10^2} + 4 \times {10^1}$

We need to solve the given expression.

We will solve the exponents and then add them.

Therefore, $8 \times {10^5} + 2 \times {10^2} + 4 \times {10^1}$ will be 

$= 8 \times 100000 + 0 \times 0 + 2 \times 100 + 4 \times 10 $

$= 800000 + 0 + 0 + 200 + 40 $

$= 8,00,240 $ 

  1. $\mathbf{4 \times {10^4} + 6 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 1 \times {10^0}}$

Ans: Given: $4 \times {10^4} + 6 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 1 \times {10^0}$

We need to solve the given expression.

We will solve the exponents and then add them.

Therefore, $4 \times {10^4} + 6 \times {10^3} + 2 \times {10^2} + 1 \times {10^0}$ will be 

$= 4 \times 10000 + 6 \times 1000 + 2 \times 100 + 1 \times 1 $

$= 40000 + 6000 + 200 + 1 $

$= 46,201 $ 

  1. $\mathbf{5 \times {10^4} + 7 \times {10^2} + 5 \times {10^0}}$

Ans: Given: $5 \times {10^4} + 7 \times {10^2} + 5 \times {10^0}$

We need to solve the given expression.

We will solve the exponents and then add them.

Therefore, $5 \times {10^4} + 7 \times {10^2} + 5 \times {10^0}$ will be 

$= 5 \times 10000 + 7 \times 100 + 5 \times 1 $

$= 50000 + 700 + 5 $

$= 50,705 $ 


Definition of Exponent

The exponent tells us how many times a number should be multiplied by itself to get the desired result. Thus any number (suppose a) raised to power ‘n’ can be expressed as:

a\[^{n}\] = a x a x a x a x a x a…. x a(n times)

Here a can be any number and n is the natural number.

a\[^{n}\] is also called the n\[^{th}\] power of a.

In this ‘a’ is the base and ‘n’ is the exponent or index or power.

 ‘a’ is multiplied ‘n’ times, It is a method of repeated multiplication.

a\[^{m}\] . a\[^{n}\] = a\[^{(m+n)}\]

(a\[^{m}\])\[^{n}\] = a\[^{mn}\]

(ab)\[^{n}\] = a\[^{n}\]b\[^{n}\]

(\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{n}\] = \[\frac{a^{n}}{b^{n}}\]

\[\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}\] = a\[^{m-n}\]

\[\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}\] = \[\frac{1}{a^{n-m}}\]

a\[^{0}\] = 1

Multiplying Powers With the Same Base

When the bases are the same then we add the exponents. 

a\[^{m}\] x a\[^{n}\] = a\[^{(m+n)}\]

In a similar way, if ‘a’ is a non-zero integer or a non-zero rational number and m and n are positive integers, then

a\[^{m}\] x a\[^{n}\] = a\[^{(m+n)}\]

Similarly (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{m}\] x (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{n}\] = (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{m+n}\]   

Note:

  •  Exponents can be added only when the bases are the same. 

  •  Exponents cannot be added if the bases are not the same.

Dividing Powers with the Same Base

In division, if the bases are the same then we need to subtract the exponents.

a\[^{m}\]  ÷  a\[^{n}\] =  \[\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}\] = a\[^{m-n}\]   

Where m and n are whole number and m<n;

We can generalize that if a is a non-zero integer or q non-zero rational number and m and n are positive integers, such that m<n;

a\[^{m}\]  ÷  a\[^{n}\] = a\[^{m-n}\] if m<n, then a\[^{m}\]  ÷  a\[^{n}\] = \[\frac{1}{a^{(n-m)}}\]    

Similarly, (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{m}\] ÷ (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{n}\] = (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{m-n}\]  


Power of a Power

In the power of a power you need multiply the powers

In general, for any non-integer a (a\[^{m}\])\[^{n}\] = a\[^{m \times n}\] = a\[^{mn}\]

Multiplying Power with the Same Exponent

In general, for any non-zero integer a,b

a\[^{m}\] x b\[^{m}\] = (a x b)\[^{m}\] = (ab)\[^{m}\]


Negative Exponents

If the exponent is negative we need to change it into a positive exponent by writing the same in the denominator and 1 in the numerator.

If ‘a’ is a non-zero integer or a non-zero rational number and m is a positive integer, then a\[^{-m}\] is the reciprocal of, i.e., 

a\[^{-m}\] = \[\frac{1}{a^{m}}\], if we take a as p/q then 

(\[\frac{p}{q}\])\[^{-m}\] = \[\frac{1}{(\frac{p}{q})^{m}}\] = (\[\frac{q}{p}\])\[^{m}\]

Also, \[\frac{1}{a^{-m}}\] = a\[^{m}\]  

Similarly, (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{-m}\] = (\[\frac{b}{a}\])\[^{m}\], where n is a positive integer


Power with Exponent Zero

If the exponent is 0 then you get the result 1 whatever the base is.

If ‘a’ is a non-zero integer or a non-zero rational number then, 

a\[^{0}\] = 1

Similarly, (\[\frac{a}{b}\])\[^{0}\] = 1


Fractional Exponent

In fractional exponent, we observe that the exponent is in fraction form.

a\[^{\frac{1}{n}}\], where a is called the base and 1/n is called an exponent or power. It is denoted as \[\sqrt[n]{a}\] is called as the nth root of a.

Some Rules to Remember While Calculating the Power of a Number

Rule 1: Any number to the zero power is equal to 1.

Rule 2: Any number to the first power is equal to the number itself.

Rule 3: If the base to which we are calculating power is negative, then odd power results in negative values and even power results in positive values.

For example:

(-4)\[^{3}\]= -64

4\[^{2}\] = 16

Rule 4: The exponent comes before the multiplication in the order of operations. We can add in the parentheses if it helps us to solve the question.

For example:

(2 x 3)\[^{2}\] = 6\[^{2}\] = 36  

2 x 3\[^{2}\] = 2 x 9 = 18

The sequence formed by powers of a number (exponent starting from 0 and having integral values) is a geometric progression with a first-term equal to 1 and common ratio being equal to the base.

Look at the pattern below:

2\[^{0}\] = 1

2\[^{1}\] = 2

2\[^{2}\] = 2 x 2 = 4

2\[^{3}\] = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8

2\[^{4}\] = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16

2\[^{5}\] = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 32

A common mistake is to multiply the base and exponent together, which is not the correct way to calculate the power of a number.

For example: 

4\[^{3}\] = 4 x 3 = 12 (Wrong)

4\[^{3}\] = 4 x 4 x 4 = 64 (Right)


Why are the Important Questions from Vedantu Useful for Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 - Exponents and Powers?

Embark on a learning journey with Vedantu's Essential Questions for Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 - Exponents and Powers. These unique questions serve as friendly guides, empowering you to approach mathematics with confidence!


1. Focused Topics: Tackle important concepts like "Power Patterns" and "Squaring Shortcuts" efficiently, making studying a breeze.


2. Exam Readiness: Feel confident and reduce exam worries by practicing questions aligned with what you'll face in your upcoming test.


3. Concept Reinforcement: Solidify your understanding of fundamental ideas like "Powers of 10" through targeted questions that reinforce what you've learned.


4. Time Mastery: Learn to manage your time wisely by practicing with questions that mirror the ones you'll find in your exam.


5. Self-Assessment: Track your progress and discover your strengths with questions designed for self-evaluation, helping you become a maths master.


6. Strategic Scoring: Follow a smart approach for higher scores by focusing on crucial topics such as "Negative Ninja Rule" and "Cubing Clue."


7. Comprehensive Coverage: Explore a wide array of topics, from "Zero Power Zen" to "Product Power," ensuring you understand every aspect of Exponents and Powers.


8. Confidence Booster: Gain confidence for your exam, as these questions are like a secret weapon, preparing you for success in your maths journey.


Conclusion

Exponents play a crucial role in algebra, simplifying repeated multiplication. The exponent indicates how many times a number multiplies itself. It's important to note that any number to the power of 0 equals 1. When expressing with exponents, attention to negative signs and parentheses is vital. Exponents come in four types: positive, negative, zero, and rational/fraction. To delve deeper into this chapter, access the Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 extra questions PDF on Vedantu’s website or app. This resource enhances understanding and consolidates knowledge about exponents in a user-friendly format.

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FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 7 Maths Exponents and Powers - 2025-26

1. What are the key laws of exponents that are essential for solving important questions in Class 7 Maths, Chapter 13?

To score well on questions from Exponents and Powers, you must master the following laws as per the CBSE syllabus:

  • Product Rule: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n)
  • Quotient Rule: a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n)
  • Power of a Power Rule: (a^m)^n = a^(mn)
  • Product of Powers Rule: a^m × b^m = (ab)^m
  • Quotient of Powers Rule: a^m ÷ b^m = (a/b)^m
  • Zero Exponent Rule: a^0 = 1 (for any non-zero integer 'a')

These rules are crucial for simplification and evaluation problems, which are frequently asked.

2. How do you express large numbers in standard exponential form for 1-mark questions in the exam?

To express a large number in standard form (or scientific notation), you rewrite it as a decimal number between 1.0 and 10.0, multiplied by a power of 10. For example, to express 1,35,00,000 in standard form:

  1. Move the decimal point to the left until you have a number between 1 and 10. Here, it becomes 1.35.
  2. Count the number of places you moved the decimal. In this case, it's 7 places.
  3. The number of places becomes the exponent of 10.

So, the standard form is 1.35 × 10^7. This is a very common type of 1-mark question.

3. What types of 'simplify' questions are frequently asked from Exponents and Powers in the Class 7 Maths exam?

In the Class 7 exam, 'simplify' questions from this chapter typically test your application of the laws of exponents. Important types include:

  • Combining multiple laws in one problem, for example, simplifying [(2^2)^3 × 3^6] × 5^6.
  • Problems involving finding the value of an unknown (like 'x') in an exponential equation.
  • Questions requiring you to simplify and express the final answer in exponential form.
  • Simplifying complex fractions involving powers.

Mastering the order of operations along with exponent laws is key to solving these potential 3-mark questions.

4. Where can students find reliable important questions for Class 7 Maths Chapter 13 to prepare for the 2025-26 exams?

The important questions for Class 7 Maths Exponents and Powers provided on this page are curated by subject matter experts. They are designed to align with the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus and exam pattern. These questions cover all essential concepts, including laws of exponents and standard form, helping students prepare for expected question types and score higher in their exams.

5. Why is the value of any non-zero number raised to the power of zero always 1?

This is a fundamental rule that stems from the quotient law of exponents. Consider the expression a^m / a^m. Since any number divided by itself is 1, we know a^m / a^m = 1. Now, applying the quotient law (a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n)), we get a^m / a^m = a^(m-m) = a^0. Since both expressions are equal to a^m / a^m, it logically follows that a^0 = 1. Understanding this concept is important for solving higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) questions.

6. A student simplifies (3^4)^2 as 3^(4+2) = 3^6. Why is this incorrect and what is the correct method for an exam?

This is a common mistake that confuses the product rule with the 'power of a power' rule. The correct approach is to use the law (a^m)^n = a^(mn), where the exponents are multiplied, not added.

  • Incorrect Method: Adding exponents (4+2), which applies only to a^m × a^n.
  • Correct Method: Multiplying exponents. So, (3^4)^2 = 3^(4 × 2) = 3^8.

In an exam, always check if you are multiplying terms with the same base or raising a power to another power to avoid losing marks.

7. How is expressing large numbers in standard form useful, and why is this an important skill for exams?

Expressing large numbers in standard form has significant real-world applications. Scientists and engineers use it to write very large numbers concisely. For example, the distance from the Earth to the Sun (approx. 149,600,000 km) is written as 1.496 × 10^8 km. In exams, this topic is important because it tests your understanding of place value and powers of 10, a foundational skill for higher-level mathematics and science.

8. What is the fundamental difference in solving questions with (a^m × a^n) versus (a^m × b^m)?

The key difference lies in which part of the term is the same.

  • In a^m × a^n, the base ('a') is the same. Here, you keep the base and add the exponents: a^(m+n). For example, 2^3 × 2^4 = 2^7.
  • In a^m × b^m, the exponent ('m') is the same. Here, you multiply the bases and keep the exponent: (a × b)^m. For example, 2^3 × 5^3 = (2×5)^3 = 10^3.

Recognising whether the base or the exponent is common is a critical first step for solving simplification problems correctly in your exam.