What Are Index Laws: Learn About Index Laws in 60 Seconds

Index Laws

Have you ever struggled to understand those little superscript numbers in math known as exponents or indices? Be at ease! We’ll debunk index laws in only 60 seconds, making them as simple as applesauce.

Number One Index Law: Multiplication

Simply add the exponents when you observe the same base number being multiplied by different exponents (for instance, (e.g., 2³ * 2²), ). Like joining forces, really!

Second Index Law: Division

Subtract the smaller exponent from the bigger one when dividing two numbers with the same base (e.g.,5⁴ ÷ 5²). Poof! It’s that easy.

Power of a Power, Index Law #3

Add the exponents together when you have raised one exponent to a higher exponent, such as (3²)³. Think about piling them.

Law #4 of the Index: Negative Exponents

Reciprocal values are indicated by negative exponents (for instance, 4⁻³ = 1/4³). And there you have it! Flip the denominator to the base.

Zero Exponent, Index Law #5

Any number equals 1 when its exponent is zero, hence 7⁰ = 1 is equivalent to 1. It’s like multiplying with air, really!

Alert: Free Resources

We have all you need if you want to learn more about Index Laws. To help students, parents, and teachers learn and practice these laws, we provide free, printable worksheets. These tools are intended to make learning enjoyable and interesting.


So there you have it—a brief summary of the Index Laws. You’ll become a math pro in no time if you follow these easy principles. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, and use our free worksheets to support your arithmetic learning. 

Index Laws

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