3.

1 Using Exponents to Describe

Numbers
Focus on…
After this lesson, you
will be able to…
• represent repeated
multiplication with
exponents
• describe how powers
represent repeated
multiplication

In the story Alice in Wonderland, Alice could change her size dramatically
by eating cake. If she needed to triple her height, she would eat a piece of
cake. Imagine that she is currently 1 m tall. She needs to increase her height
to 700 m in order to see over a hill. How many pieces of cake do you think
she will need to eat?

Materials Explore Repeated Multiplication

• calculator
1. Create a table that shows how Alice’s height changes after eating one,
two, and three pieces of cake. Describe any patterns you see in the table.

2. a) How many pieces of cake does Alice need to eat to become at least
700 m tall? Show how you arrived at your answer.
b) What is Alice’s height after eating the number of pieces of cake in
part a)?
c) How many factors of 3 do you need to multiply to obtain your
answer to part b)?

3. Explore how you could use a calculator to determine Alice’s height after
eating eight pieces of cake. Share your method(s) with your classmates.
Record the methods that work for your calculator.

92 MHR • Chapter 3
Reflect and Check power
2
4. a) The expression 3 can be used to represent Alice’s height after • an expression made up
of a base and an
eating two pieces of cake. What does this expression mean in
exponent
terms of factors of 3? base exponent
b) How could you represent 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 as a power ? Identify
the base and exponent . 42
power
5. What is Alice’s height after eating ten pieces of cake? base
• the number you
multiply by itself in
a power
Link the Ideas
exponent
• the number of times
Example 1: Write and Evaluate Powers you multiply the base in
a power
a) Write 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 in exponential form .
b) Evaluate the power. exponential form
• a shorter way of writing
Solution repeated multiplication,
a) There are five factors of 2 in the expression 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2. using a base and an
exponent
2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 can be written as the power 25.
• 5 × 5 × 5 in exponential
The base of the power is 2 and the exponent of the power is 5. form is 53

b) The product 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 is 32.

So, 25 = 32. Literacy Link
There are several ways
to read powers.
Show You Know You can read 25 in the
a) Write 4 × 4 × 4 as a power. following ways:
• two to the fifth
b) Evaluate the power. • two to the exponent
five

History Link
Euclid was a Greek mathematician who lived
from about 325 BCE to about 265 BCE. He was the
first person to use the term power. He referred to
power only in relation to squares.
The first time that the term power was used to
refer to expressions with exponents greater than
2 was in 1696 in Arithmetic by Samuel Jeake.

Euclid

3.1 Using Exponents to Describe Numbers • MHR 93

 Example 2: Powers With Positive Bases
Evaluate each power.
a) 42 b) 23 c) 36

Solution
Strategies a) The power 42 can be read as “four squared.”
Model It You can use a model of a square to represent the power.

How does the

model of the square
represent 42?

Each side of the square is 4 units in length.

The area of the square is 16 because there are 16 small squares
altogether in the square.
In the power 42, the base is 4 and the exponent is 2.
42 = 4 × 4
= 16

b) The power 23 can be read as “two cubed.”

You can use a model of a cube to represent the power.
How does the
model of the cube
represent 23?

Each edge of the large cube is 2 units in length.

The volume of the large cube is 8 because there are 8 samll cubes
altogether in the large cube.
In the power 23, the base is 2 and the exponent is 3.
23 = 2 × 2 × 2
=8

c) In the power 36, the base is 3 and the You could think of 36 as
exponent is 6. You can represent 36 as (3 × 3) × (3 × 3) × (3 × 3)
repeated multiplication. =9×9×9
36 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 93
= 729 or
(3 × 3 × 3) × (3 × 3 × 3)
C 3 y x 6 = 729. = 27 × 27
= 272
Are there other possibilities?

Show You Know

Evaluate each power.
a) 62 b) 34 c) 53

94 MHR • Chapter 3
Example 3: Powers With Negative Bases
Evaluate each power.
a) (-2)4
b) -24
c) (-4)3
d) -(-5)6

Solution
a) In the power (-2)4, the base is -2 and the exponent is 4.
The exponent applies to the negative sign because -2 is enclosed
in parentheses.
You can write the power as repeated multiplication.
(-2)4 = (-2) × (-2) × (-2) × (-2)
= 16
Why is the answer
positive?

b) In the power -24, the base is 2 and the exponent is 4.

The exponent does not apply to the negative sign because
-24 is the same as -(24).
-24 = -(24)
= -(2 × 2 × 2 × 2)
= -16

c) In the power (-4)3, the base is -4 and the exponent is 3.

(-4)3 = (-4) × (-4) × (-4)
= -64 Why is the answer
negative?

d) In the expression -(-5)6, the base is -5 and the exponent is 6.

The exponent does not apply to the first negative sign because
the first negative sign lies outside the parentheses.
-(-5)6 = -[(-5) × (-5) × (-5) × (-5) × (-5) × (-5)]
= -(15 625)
= -15 625 C ( 5 + - y x 6 ) + - –15625.

Show You Know

a) Explain how (-5)2 and -52 are different and how they are
the same.
b) Evaluate (-6)2 and (-6)5.

3.1 Using Exponents to Describe Numbers • MHR 95

 Key Ideas
• A power is a short way to represent repeated multiplication.
7 × 7 × 7 = 73
• A power consists of a base and an exponent. The base represents
the number you multiply repeatedly. The exponent represents the
number of times you multiply the base.
base exponent

(–3)5
power

Check Your Understanding

Communicate the Ideas
1. Explain why it is often easier to write an expression as a power rather
than as repeated multiplication. Use a specific example.

2. Explain how the two diagrams and calculations show that 23 and 32
are different.

3
2

Volume: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 Area: 3 × 3 = 9

3. Pani says, “When you evaluate a power with a negative base and an even
exponent, you get a positive value. When you evaluate a power with a
negative base and an odd exponent, you get a negative value.” Is Pani
correct? Justify your answer.

(-2)4

(-2)3

96 MHR • Chapter 3
Practise
For help with #4 and #5, refer to Example 1 on page 93. 12. Copy and complete the table.
4. Write each expression as a power, Repeated Exponential
and evaluate. Multiplication Form Value
a) 7 × 7 a) (-3) × (-3) × (-3) (-3)3 
b) 3 × 3 × 3 b) (-4) × (-4) (-4) 2

c) 8 × 8 × 8 × 8 × 8 c) (-1) × (-1) × (-1)  
d) 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 d)  (-7) 2

e)   -1000
5. Write each expression as a power. Identify
the base and the exponent in each power. 13. Does (-6)4 = -64? Show how you know.
Then, evaluate.
a) 1 × 1 × 1 × 1 Apply
b) 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2
14. The volume of a cube with an
c) 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 edge length of 3 cm is 27 cm3.
d) 13 Write the volume in repeated
multiplication form and
3 cm
For help with #6 to #9, refer to Example 2 on page 94. exponential form.
6. Evaluate each power.
15. In a children’s story, Double Dan the
a) 52 b) 33 c) 45
Dragonfly is growing fast. His body length
is doubling every month. At the beginning
7. What is the value of each power?
of the story, his length is 1 cm.
a) 83 b) 26 c) 19

8. Copy and complete the table.

Repeated Exponential
Multiplication Form Value
3
a) 6 × 6 × 6 6 
b) 3 × 3 × 3 × 3  
c)   49
2
d)  11 
e)   125

9. Does 43 = 34? Show how you know.

a) Create a table to show how Dan’s body
length increases every month for ten
For help with #10 to #13, refer to Example 3 on page 95. months.
10. Evaluate each power.
b) What is his body length five months after
a) (-9)2 b) -53 c) (-2)7 the beginning of the story? Express your
answer as a power. Then, evaluate.
11. What is the value of each power? c) After how many months is his body
a) -82 b) (-1)5 c) -(-3)7 length more than 50 cm?

3.1 Using Exponents to Describe Numbers • MHR 97

16. Arrange the following powers from least to 19. Explain what the following statement means
greatest value: 122, 34, 43, 25, 72. using numerical examples:
Multiplication is a way to represent repeated
17. A single bacterium doubles in number every addition, and powers are a way to represent
hour. How many bacteria are present after repeated multiplication.
15 h?
20. The power 73 can be read as “seven cubed.”
Draw a picture of a cube with a volume of
73 cubic units, or 343 cubic units. Label
appropriate dimensions for the cube.

21. Represent 144 in three different ways using

repeated multiplication.

Extend
22. Evaluate the powers of 5 from 53 to 510.
Use only whole numbers as exponents.
a) What do you notice about the last three
digits of each value?
b) Predict the last three digits if you
evaluate 546.

23. Evaluate the powers of 3 from 31 to 312.

18. Express 9 as a power where the exponent is
Use only whole numbers as exponents.
2 and the base is
a) What do you notice about the units digit?
a) positive
b) Predict the units digit if you evaluate 363.
b) negative
Explain how you arrived at your answer.

Some formulas use exponents. Two that you are familiar with are
given below.
• SA = 6s2
• V = πr2h
a) Rewrite each formula using repeated multiplication. Identify
what the formula represents and how you would use it.
b) For the mobile you will build at the end of the chapter, you will need to use formulas.
Identify two formulas that contain exponents, for the shapes shown. Write each
formula using repeated multiplication.

98 MHR • Chapter 3
 3.2 Exponent Laws
Focus on…
After this lesson, you
will be able to…
• explain the exponent
laws for
- product of powers
- quotient of powers
- power of a power
- power of a product
- power of a quotient

The environmental club has permission to use a rectangular plot of land

in the school yard for composting and recycling storage. If they know
the dimensions of the plot of land, how can they determine the area? If
they know the area and the length of the land, how can they determine
the width?

Explore Operations on Powers

1. The environmental club learns that the area of the plot of land is 64 m2.
a) What are the possible whole dimensions of the rectangular plot
of land?
b) What is 64 expressed as a power of 2?
c) Show how you can express each of the dimensions in part a) using
powers of 2.

2. a) Describe any patterns you observe in your expressions from #1c).

b) Choose a base other than 2. Determine the product of a pair of
powers with the base you chose. Does your observation still apply?

3.2 Exponent Laws • MHR 99

 3. The environmental club is given another plot of land behind the school
to use for a garden. The table gives some possible dimensions and the
area of the rectangular plot.
Length of the Width of the Area of the
Rectangular Plot (m) Rectangular Plot (m) Rectangular Plot (m2)
34 31 35
33 32 35
32 33 35
a) Describe any patterns you observe in the table.
b) Imagine that you are given only the area and length as powers with
What operation do you
perform to determine the same base. Use your patterns to describe how you can determine
width when you are the width, in exponential form.
given the area and c) Choose a base other than 3. Determine the quotient of a pair of
length?
powers with the base you chose. Does your observation still apply?

Reflect and Check

4. a) Explain how you can write a product of powers as a single power.
b) Explain how you can write a quotient of powers as a single power.

5. Make up a problem of your own that involves multiplication or division

of powers with the same base. Exchange problems with a classmate.
Check each other’s solution.

100 MHR • Chapter 3

Link the Ideas
Example 1: Multiply Powers With the Same Base
Write each product of powers as a single power. Then, evaluate the power.
a) 23 × 22
b) (-3)2 × (-3)5

Solution
a) Method 1: Use Repeated Multiplication
Rewrite the multiplication statement using repeated multiplication. Literacy Link
23 × 22 = (2 × 2 × 2) × (2 × 2) Another term
= 25 There are five factors of for repeated
2 in the repeated multiplication is
= 32 factored form.
multiplication.

Method 2: Apply the Exponent Laws

Since the bases are the same, you can add the exponents. Literacy Link
23 × 22 = 23 + 2 Multiplying Powers
= 25 When multiplying
= 32 powers with the same
base, add the
exponents to write the
b) Since the bases are the same, you can add the exponents. product as a single
(-3)2 × (-3)5 = (-3)2 + 5 power.
= (-3)7
(am)(an) = am + n
= -2187

Show You Know

Evaluate each expression in two different ways.
a) 43 × 45 b) (-5)2 × (-5)3

Did You Know?

Some common viruses require at least 287 viral
particles in the human body before symptoms
occur.

3.2 Exponent Laws • MHR 101

 Example 2: Divide Powers With the Same Base
Write each quotient as a single power. Then, evaluate the power.
a) 26 ÷ 22
b) (-5)9 ÷ (-5)6

Solution
a) Method 1: Use Repeated Multiplication
Rewrite each power using repeated multiplication.
26 ÷ 22 = (2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2) ÷ (2 × 2)
2×2×2×2×2×2
= _____________________
2×2
1 1 You can divide the common
2×2×2×2×2×2
= _____________________
factors in the numerator and
2×2 denominator.
1 1
=2×2×2×2
= 24
= 16
Method 2: Apply the Exponent Laws
Literacy Link Since the bases are the same, you can subtract the exponents.
Dividing Powers 26 ÷ 22 = 26 - 2
When dividing powers = 24
with the same base, = 16
subtract the
exponents to write the
quotient as a single b) Since the bases are the same, you can subtract the exponents.
power. (-5)9 ÷ (-5)6 = (-5)9 - 6
= (-5)3
am ÷ an = am - n
= -125

Show You Know

Evaluate each expression in two different ways.
a) 25 ÷ 24 b) (-3)10 ÷ (-3)7

Example 3: Raise Powers, Products, and Quotients to an

Exponent
a) Write the expression (23)2 as a single power. Then, evaluate.
b) Write the expression [2 × (-3)]4 as the product of two powers.
Then, evaluate.
3
3
c) Write the expression __ (4) as the quotient of two powers.
Then, evaluate.

102 MHR • Chapter 3

Solution
Literacy Link
a) Method 1: Use Repeated Method 2: Apply the
Raising a Power to an
Multiplication Exponent Laws
Exponent
(23) 2 = 23 × 23 You can multiply the
When a power is
= (2 × 2 × 2) × (2 × 2 × 2) exponents. raised to an exponent,
= 26 (23)2 = 26 multiply the
= 64 = 64 exponents to write the
How many factors of 2
expression with a
are there in the
single exponent.
repeated multiplication?
(am)n = amn

b) Method 1: Use Repeated Multiplication

[2 × (-3)]4 = [2 × (-3)] × [2 × (-3)] × [2 × (-3)] × [2 × (-3)]
= 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × (-3) × (-3) × (-3) × (-3)
= 24 × (-3)4
= 16 × 81 Literacy Link
= 1296 How do you know that you Raising a Product to
can rearrange the factors? an Exponent
When a product is
Method 2: Apply the Exponent Laws raised to an exponent,
You can write each factor in the product with the same exponent. you can rewrite each
[2 × (-3)]4 = 24 × (-3)4 factor in the product
= 16 × 81 with the same
How else could you evaluate exponent.
= 1296 this expression?
(ab)m = ambm
c) Method 1: Use Repeated Multiplication
3 3 = __
3 × __ 3 × __
3
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
__
4 4 4 4
3 × 3 ×
= _________3
4×4×4 Literacy Link
3
3
__
= 3 Why can you not divide Raising a Quotient to
4 these powers by subtracting an Exponent
27
= ___
the exponents?
When a quotient is
64 raised to an exponent,
you can rewrite each
Method 2: Apply the Exponent Laws number in the
You can write each number in the quotient with the same exponent. quotient with the
3 3 = __
33
( )
__
4 43
same exponent.
a n __an
27 ( )
__
b
= n,b≠0
b
= ___
64

Show You Know

a) Write [(-3)4]3 as a single power. Then, evaluate.

b) Write (5 × 4)2 as the product of two powers. Then, evaluate.

5
2
(5)
c) Write __ as the quotient of two powers. Then, evaluate.

3.2 Exponent Laws • MHR 103

 Example 4: Evaluate Quanities With an Exponent of Zero
Evaluate 30.

Strategies Solution
Make a Table You can use a table to determine a pattern in the powers of 3.
Look for a Pattern Power Value
4
3 81
3
3 27
2
3 9
1
3 3
0
3 

Determine the pattern in the values.

81 ÷ 3 = 27
27 ÷ 3 = 9
9÷3=3
Each value can be found by dividing the value above it by 3.
Literacy Link 3÷3=1
Raising a Quantity to
an Exponent of Zero So, the value of 1 belongs in the blank.
When the exponent of 30 = 1
a power is 0, the value
of the power is 1 if the
Check:
base is not equal to 0. You can use division to show that 30 = 1.
Choose any power of 3, such as 34. Divide it by itself.
a0 = 1, a ≠ 0 1
4 4 4
3 = 34 - 4
__ 3 = __
__ 3
4 4 4
3 3 3
1
= 30 =1
So, 30 = 1.
You can also check using a calculator.
C 3 y x 0 = 1.

Show You Know

Evaluate each expression.
a) (-5)0 b) -50
c) -(5)0 d) 50

104 MHR • Chapter 3

 Key Ideas
• You can apply the exponent laws to help simplify expressions.
 You can simplify a product of powers  You can simplify a quotient of powers
with the same base by adding exponents. with the same base by subtracting the
am × an = am + n 37 × 32 = 37 + 2 exponents.
= 39 am ÷ an = am - n 58 ÷ 52 = 58 - 2
= 56
 You can simplify a power that is raised  When a product is raised to an exponent,
to an exponent by multiplying the two you can rewrite each number in the
exponents. product with the same exponent.
(am)n = amn (34)5 = 34 × 5 (a × b)m = am × bm (5 × 6)3 = 53 × 63
= 320
 When a quotient is raised to an exponent,  When the exponent of a power is 0, the
you can rewrite each number in the value of the power is 1 if the base is not
quotient with the same exponent. equal to 0.
n 4

( __ba ) = __
a
( __53 ) = __53
n 4
a0 = 1, a ≠ 0 (-10)0 = 1
n 4
b

Check Your Understanding

Communicate the Ideas
1. Explain why (42)5 = 410.

2. Show whether the expression (-2)2 × (-2)3 and the expression [(-2)2]3
are equal.

4
3 81 .
3. Explain why __ (4) = ____
256

4. Is Ranbir correct? Justify your answer.

I think -60 = 1.

3.2 Exponent Laws • MHR 105

Practise
For help with #5 to #8, refer to Example 1 on page 101. 11. Write each expression as a quotient of two
5. Write each expression as a single power. powers, and then as a single power.
Then, evaluate each power. a) (6 × 6 × 6 × 6) ÷ (6 × 6 × 6)
a) 43 × 44 3×3×3×3×3×3×3×3
b) _____________________________
b) 72 × 74 3×3
c) (5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5) ÷ (5)
c) (-3)5 × (-3)2

12. Write the following expression as the

6. Rewrite each expression as a single power.
Then, evaluate. division of two powers: (-5)7 - 2.
a) 52 × 53
13. Write the numerator and the denominator
b) (-6)3 × (-6)3 in exponential form, and then write the
c) 81 × 82 expression as a single power:
(6 × 6) × (6 × 6) × (6 × 6)
_________________________
7. Write each expression as a product of
.
6×6×6
two powers, and then as a single power.
a) (4 × 4 × 4) × (4 × 4 × 4 × 4) For help with #14 to #17, refer to Example 3 on
b) (2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2) × (2 × 2) page 102–103.
c) (9 × 9 × 9 × 9) × 14. a) Write (32)4 as a single power. Evaluate.
(9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9) b) Write [7 × (-3)]4 as the product of two
powers. Evaluate.
8. Write the following expression in repeated 5 4
multiplication form, and then as a single 6( )
c) Write __ as the quotient of two powers.
power: 32 × 33 × 34. Evaluate.

For help with #9 to #13, refer to Example 2 on page 102. 15. a) Write (-42)3 with one exponent.
9. Write each expression as a single power. Evaluate.
Then, evaluate each power.
b) Write (3 × 4)4 as the multiplication of
a) 55 ÷ 53 two powers. Evaluate.
b) 38 ÷ 34 4 3
c) (-4)6 ÷ (-4)2 5( )
c) Write __ as the division of two powers.

Evaluate.
10. Rewrite each expression as a single power.
Then, evaluate. 16. Write the following expression as a power
a) 74 ÷ 71
raised to an exponent.
b) (-8)8 ÷ (-8)6
(2 × 2) × (2 × 2) × (2 × 2) × (2 × 2)
c) (-2)6 ÷ (-2)5

106 MHR • Chapter 3

17. Copy and complete the table. 21. Express each of the following as a single
Repeated power.
Expression Multiplication Powers a) (32)4 × 33
3
a) [2 × (-5)]   (-4)2(-4)4
b) __________
b)  (9 × 8) × (9 × 8) 92 × 82 (-4)3
4
2
(3)
c) __  
22. Jenny was asked to complete the following
exercise.
For help with #18 and #19 refer to Example 4 on Write the expression as a product of two
page 104. powers, and then express as a single power:
18. a) Evaluate 20. Use a pattern to justify your (7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7) × (7 × 7 × 7).
answer. Find and explain the mistake Jenny made
b) Check your answer a different way. in her solution.
(7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7) × (7 × 7 × 7)
0
19. a) Evaluate -4 . Show your thinking. = 75 × 73
= 75 × 3
b) Evaluate (-40) × (-40) × (-40).
= 715

Apply 23. Write three different products. Each product

20. Jake’s older model computer has a processing must be made up of two powers and must
2
speed of 20 MHz. Hanna’s new computer be equal to 45.
has a processing speed of 502 MHz.
a) What is the ratio, in fraction form, of Extend
Jake’s computer processing speed to 24. Find two different whole numbers that can
Hanna’s computer processing speed? be placed in the boxes so that the following
Do not simplify your answer. statement is true.
b) Write this ratio as a single power in  4 ≤ 0.2
simplest form.
()
0.1 ≤ __

25. a) Find a pair of whole numbers, excluding

Did You Know? zero, that can be placed in the boxes to
According to Moore’s make the following equation true.
Law, computer 81 = 27 
processing power tends
b) What is a second pair?
to increase
exponentially, doubling
every two years. The 26. If 3x = 11, use exponent laws to evaluate the
observation was following expressions.
originally made in 1965
by Gordon Moore, a) 32x
co-founder of Intel. This b) 3(x + 1)
exponential growth is
expected to continue for
at least another ten years.

3.2 Exponent Laws • MHR 107

 3.3 Order of Operations
Focus on…
After this lesson, you
will be able to…
• use the order of
operations on
expressions with
powers
• apply the laws of
exponents

In the game show Power of 5, contestants try to answer eight questions in

their pursuit of $10 million.

Explore Order of Operations With Powers

1. How many times greater is each prize value than the previous prize
value? Explain how you arrived at your answer.

2. a) What is an expression in exponential form that represents the prize

value for answering the fourth question correctly? Compare your
answer with a classmate’s.
b) How could you find the value of this expression?

3. Write expressions in exponential form for the top prize value and for
the prize value for answering the fifth question correctly. Use these
expressions to write an expression that shows the difference between
these prize values. Then, evaluate the expression. Compare your answer
with a classmate’s.

Reflect and Check

4. a) Identify the coefficient and the power in The expression
Literacy Link the expression 128 × 57. 128 × 57 can also be
A coefficient is a written as 128(57).
b) What does each of these values represent
number that
multiplies an in the Power of 5 game show?
expression. In -5(4)2,
the coefficient is -5. 5. a) What does the expression 128(57) - 128(53) represent in terms of
prize values in the Power of 5 game show?
b) Describe the steps you would use to evaluate this expression.

108 MHR • Chapter 3

Link the Ideas
Example 1: Determine the Product of a Power
Literacy Link
Evaluate. The order of
a) 3(2)4 b) -3(-5)2 c) -44 operations is:
• brackets
Solution • exponents (powers)
• divide and multiply
a) Method 1: Use Repeated Multiplication in order from left to
You can use repeated multiplication right
for the power. • add and subtract in
3(2)4 = 3 × 24 order from left to
=3×2×2×2×2 right
= 48
Method 2: Use Order of Operations
3 × 24 = 3 × 16
= 48 Evaluate the
power first.

Method 3: Use a Calculator

C 3 × 2 y x 4 = 48. Tech Link
The key sequence may
be different on
b) -3(-5)2 = -3(25) different calculators.
= -75 Experiment with
performing order of
c) -44 = -1 × 44 operations on your
calculator. Record the
= -1 × 256
proper key sequence
= -256 for your calculator.

Show You Know

Evaluate. Use a calculator to check your answer.
a) 4 × 32
b) 6(-2)3
c) -72

3.3 Order of Operations • MHR 109

 Example 2: Evaluate Expressions With Powers
Evaluate.
a) 42 - 8 ÷ 2 + (-32) b) -2(-15 - 42) + 4(2 + 3)3

Solution
a) Method 1: Use Order of Operations
42 - 8 ÷ 2 + (-32)
= 16 - 8 ÷ 2 + (-9)
= 16 - 4 + (-9)
= 12 + (-9)
=3
Method 2: Use a Calculator
You may need to
C 4 yx 2 - 8 ÷ 2 + 3 + - y x 2 = 3.
use a different
key sequence on
b) Method 1: Use Order of Operations your calculator.
-2(-15 - 42) + 4(2 + 3)3
= -2(-15 - 16) + 4(5)3
= -2(-31) + 4(5)3
= -2(-31) + 4(125)
= 62 + 4(125)
= 62 + 500
= 562
Method 2: Use a Calculator
C 2 + - × ( 15 + - - 4 x2 ) + 4 ×
( 2 + 3 ) y x 3 = 562.

Show You Know

Evaluate.
a) 42 + (-42) b) 8(5 + 2)2 - 12 ÷ 22

Key Ideas
• Expressions with powers can have Repeated
a numerical coefficient. Evaluate Expression Coefficient Power Multiplication Value
the power, and then multiply by 5(42) 5 4 2
5×4×4 80
the coefficient.
(-2)4 1 (-2) 4
(-2)(-2)(-2)(-2) 16
• Evaluate expressions with powers
-34 -1 3 4
-1 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 -81
using the proper order of operations.

brackets

exponents

divide and multiply in order from left to right

add and subtract in order from left to right

110 MHR • Chapter 3

Check Your Understanding
Communicate the Ideas
1. Using the terms coefficient and base, explain why the two expressions
-22 and (-2)2 are different and result in different answers.

2. Your classmate, Han,

needs help with his (5 - 2)2 + (-4)3
homework. Explain
how to evaluate
(5 - 2)2 + (-4)3.

3. Identify the incorrect step in the following solution. Show how to

correct it. What is the correct answer?
(3 + 5)2 - 4 × 32
= 82 - 4 × 32 Step 1
= 64 - 4 × 32 Step 2
= 60 × 32 Step 3
= 60 × 9 Step 4
= 540 Step 5

4. Maria was asked to evaluate 128 × 53. What mistake did Maria make
in her solution?
128 × 53
= 6403
= 262 144 000

Practise
For help with #5 to #7, refer to Example 1 on page 109. 7. Write the key sequence you would use
5. Evaluate each expression. to evaluate each expression using your
a) 4(2) 5
b) 7(-3) 2 calculator. What is the answer?
4 a) 4 × 32
c) -2(5 ) d) 3(-22)
b) -5(4)3
6. Write each expression using a coefficient and
a power. Then, find the value of each For help with #8 and #9, refer to Example 2 on page 110.
expression. 8. Evaluate.
a) 4 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 a) 32 + 32
b) 3 × (-2) × (-2) × (-2) b) (2 + 7)2 - 11
c) 7(10)(10)(10)(10)(10) c) 73 - 3(-4)3
d) -1 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 d) 9 + (-2)3 - 2(-62)

3.3 Order of Operations • MHR 111

 9. Find the value of each expression. 14. Read the following riddle and then answer
a) 7 - 2(3 )2 the questions below.
b) (-4 - 3)2 + (-3)2 In downtown Victoria, there are seven pink
c) (-2)6 ÷ 43 houses. Every pink house has seven pink
rooms, every pink room has seven cats, and
d) 24 - 22 + (72 - 52)
every cat has seven kittens.
a) How many pink rooms are there?
Apply
b) How many kittens are there?
10. For each pair of expressions, which one has
c) Write an expression using powers of 7
a greater value? How much greater is it? to determine the total number of houses,
a) 3(2)3 2(3)2 rooms, cats, and kittens. Evaluate your
b) (3 × 4)2 3 2 × 42 expression.
c) 63 + 63 (6 + 6)3

11. Find the step where Justin made an error.

Show the correct answer.
(-3 + 6)2 - 4 × 32
= 32 - 4 × 32 Step 1
=9-4×9 Step 2
=5×9 Step 3
= 45 Step 4
15. Write an expression with powers to
12. Find the step where Katarina made an error.
determine the difference between the area
What is the correct answer? of the large square and the area of the small
32 ÷ (-2)3 + 5(4)2 square. What is the difference?
= 32 ÷ (-8) + 5 × 8 Step 1
= -4 + 5 × 8 Step 2
= -4 + 40 Step 3
= 36 Step 4

13. Write an expression with powers to

determine the difference between the volume 6 cm 5 cm
of the small cube and the volume of the
large cube. What is the difference? 16. A red square with a side length of 8 cm is
placed on a yellow square with a side length
of 10 cm. Write an expression with powers
to determine the visible yellow area. What is
the visible yellow area?

9 cm 7 cm
10 cm
8 cm

112 MHR • Chapter 3

Extend Round Number Number Total Number
32
of of People of Calls of People
17. What is the value of 5 ? Calls Calling Received Notified
First 3 6 3+6=9
18. In a game show called The Pyramid of
Money, a contestant must successfully Second 6 12 9 + 12 = 21
answer a set of questions. The first question Third 12 24 21 + 24 = 45
is worth $3125. Each question after that is Fourth 24  45 +  = 93
worth four times the value of the previous
a) What value belongs in each unknown
question.
box?
a) What is the value of question 2? question
b) Write an expression for the number from
3? question 4?
part a) as a product of 3 and a power
b) How many questions would a contestant of 2.
have to answer correctly before becoming
c) What does the 3 in part b) represent?
eligible to answer a question with a value
of $3 200 000? d) What does the exponent in part b)
represent?
c) Which question is represented by the
expression 3125 × 47? e) Imagine that the phoning continued.
Determine an expression for the number
d) Write an expression with powers that
of calls received in the sixth round and
represents the sum of the values of the
evaluate it.
first four questions.
f) If five coaches started the phone tree
19. A phone tree is used to notify the players on instead of three, what would be the
a football team about a change in the time number of calls received in the third
for their next game. Each of the three round?
coaches calls two different players, and then
each player calls two more players. Each 20. Use four 2s to write an expression with
person only makes two calls. The chart the greatest possible value.
shows the number of people calling and
receiving calls for each round of two calls.

You are planning to build a mobile with a cylinder and a cube. radius

a) The height and radius of the cylinder and the height of the
cube will all be the same measurement. Choose a whole height
number measurement, in centimetres.
b) Write an expression in exponential form to calculate the
difference in the area of material required to make each shape.
Which shape requires more material? How much more?
Express your answer to the nearest tenth of a square
centimetre. height

c) Write an expression in exponential form to calculate the total

area of material needed to make both shapes. Express your
answer to the nearest tenth of a square centimetre.

3.3 Order of Operations • MHR 113

 3.4 Using Exponents to Solve Problems
Focus on…
After this lesson, you
will be able to…
• solve problems that
require combining
powers
• use powers to solve
problems that
involve repeated
Near Alberta/British Columbia border
multiplication

The mountain pine beetle has the ability to double its population in one
year if conditions are right. These beetles live in mature pine trees by boring
into the bark. Only 6 mm long, these small beetles can kill pine trees if their
numbers are great enough.
The mountain pine beetle has destroyed thousands of pine trees in British
Columbia and Alberta. It is estimated that by 2013, 80% of the pine trees
in BC will be eliminated by the mountain pine beetle.

Explore Operations on Powers

A population of 10 000 mountain pine beetles doubles each year.
1. Create a table to show the growth of the population of pine beetles
over three years.

2. Express the population each year as a product of 10 000 and a power

of 2. Add this information to your table.

3. What patterns do you notice in your table?

4. How could you determine the number of beetles in ten years without
extending the table? Show two methods.

5. How would your table be different if the beetles tripled in number

each year?

Reflect and Check

Web Link 6. Write an expression in exponential form to determine the number of
To read more about the
beetles in n years. Explain what each value represents.
mountain pine beetle, go
to www.mathlinks9.ca 7. How could you determine the number of years that have passed if the
and follow the links. number of beetles is 640 000?

114 MHR • Chapter 3

Link the Ideas
Example 1: Use Formulas to Solve Problems
Write an exponential expression to solve each problem.
a) What is the surface area b) Find the area of the square attached
of a cube with an edge to the hypotenuse in the diagram.
length of 4 cm?

 cm2

5 cm
4 cm
12 cm

c) A circle is inscribed in a square with a side length of 20 cm. What is the

area of the shaded region?

20 cm

Solution
a) The formula for the surface area of a cube is SA = 6s2, where s is the
edge length of the cube.
SA = 6s2
SA = 6(4)2
SA = 6(16)
SA = 96
The surface area of the cube is 96 cm2.

b) The diagram models the Pythagorean relationship. The relationship

between the areas of the squares on the sides of a right triangle is
represented by the formula c2 = a2 + b2, where a and b are the legs
of the triangle and c is the hypotenuse.
c2 = a2 + b2
c2 = 52 + 122
c2 = 25 + 144
c2 = 169
The area of the square attached to the hypotenuse is 169 cm2.

3.4 Using Exponents to Solve Problems • MHR 115

 c) Method 1: Calculate in Stages
The formula for the area of a square is A = s2, where s is the side length
of the square.
A = s2
A = 202
A = 400
The area of the square is 400 cm2.
The formula for the area of a circle is A = πr2, where r is the radius of
the circle.
The diameter of the circle is 20 cm. Therefore, the radius is 10 cm.
A = πr2
A = π(10)2
A = π(100)
A ≈ 314 …
The area of the circle is approximately 314 cm2.
Calculate the area of the shaded region. You can subtract the area of
the circle from the area of the square.
400 - 314 = 86
The area of the shaded region is about 86 cm2.
Method 2: Evaluate One Expression
Calculate the area of the shaded region. You can subtract the area of
the circle from the area of the square.
A = s2 - πr2
A = 202 - π(10)2
A = 400 - π(100)
A ≈ 400 - 314
A ≈ 86
The area of the shaded region is about 86 cm2.

Show You Know

Use a formula to solve each problem.
a) A right triangle has two shorter sides that
measure 8 cm and 15 cm. What is the area
of a square attached to the hypotenuse of
the right triangle?
8 cm
15 cm

b) What is the surface area of a cube with an edge

length of 3 m?

3m

116 MHR • Chapter 3

Example 2: Develop a Formula to Solve a Problem
A dish holds 100 bacteria. It is known that the bacteria
double in number every hour. How many bacteria
will be present after each number of hours?
a) 1 b) 5 c) n

Solution
a) After 1 h, the bacteria population doubles.
100 × 2 = 200
After 1 h, there will be 200 bacteria.

b) In a period of 5 h, the bacteria population

doubles five times.
100 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2
= 100(25)
= 100(32)
= 3200
After 5 h, there will be 3200 bacteria.

c) After n hours, the bacteria population doubles n times. Strategies

Number of bacteria = 100(2n) Use a Variable
After n hours, there will be 100(2n) bacteria.

Show You Know

A type of bacterium is known to triple every hour. There are 50 bacteria
to start with. How many will there be after each number of hours?
a) 3 b) 5 c) t

Key Ideas
• Powers are found in many formulas. When repeated Volume of a cube = s3
multiplication is present in a formula, it is represented as a s
power. The use of powers keeps the formula as short as possible.
• Many patterns that involve repeated multiplication can be
modelled with expressions that contain powers. s

3.4 Using Exponents to Solve Problems • MHR 117

Check Your Understanding
Communicate the Ideas
1. The surface area, SA, of a sphere can be calculated using the formula
SA = 4 × π × r × r, where r is the radius. Rewrite the formula using
powers and no multiplication signs. Identify the coefficient, variable,
and exponent in your formula.

2. Explain what each number and letter represents in the following expression:
Number of bacteria = 100(2)n.

Practise Apply
For help with #3 and #4, refer to Example 1 on page 115. 7. Sarah wants to send a cube-shaped
3. What is the volume of a cube with an edge package to her cousins in Pond Inlet,
length of 6 cm? Write an exponential Nunavut. She is going to wrap the
expression to solve the problem. package in brown paper The side length
of the package measures 46 cm. What is
the minimum amount of paper Sarah
will need?

8. Albert Einstein stated that E = mc2. The

6 cm mass, m, is measured in kilograms, and
the speed of light, c, is approximately
4. Which is larger, the area of a square with a
300 000 000 m/s. The amount of energy
side length of 14 cm or the surface area of
released, E, is measured in joules. How
a cube with an edge length of 6 cm? Show
much energy is released if 1 g of mass is
your work. Write an exponential expression
converted to energy?
to solve the problem.
9. A true/false quiz with four questions has
For help with #5 and #6, refer to Example 2 on page 117.
a total of 24 possible sets of answers. One
5. A colony of bacteria triples every hour. If possible set of answers is TFFF.
there are 20 bacteria now, how many will
a) What does the exponent, 4, represent?
there be after each amount of time?
b) What does the base, 2, represent?
a) 1 h
c) List the remaining sets of possible
b) 6 h
answers.
c) n hours
d) How many sets of answers are
possible for a quiz with ten true/false
6. A population of 200 bacteria has the perfect
questions? Express as a power and
conditions to double every 20 min. How then evaluate.
many bacteria will there be after each
amount of time?
a) 20 min
b) 60 min
c) 4 h

118 MHR • Chapter 3

10. A standard Extend
combination lock
12. The number 10100 is known as a googol.
has 60 numbers on
its face from 0 to a) Research where the term googol
59. A combination originated. Why do you think the
consists of three founders of Google™ used that name
numbers, and for their search engine?
numbers can be b) How many zeros would follow the 1 if
repeated. What is you wrote 10100 as a whole number?
the total number c) If you were able to continue writing
of possible zeros without stopping, how long would
combinations? it take you to write a googol as a whole
Express as a power number? Explain why you believe your
and then evaluate. answer is correct.

11. A formula that 13. Sometimes powers have the same bases and
estimates the stopping different exponents. At other times, powers
distance for a car on have the same exponents and different bases.
an icy road is a) Use the examples below to explain
c 2.
d = 0.75s _____
(
1000 ) how you would compare such powers.
Generate rules you could use for
The distance, d, is comparing these powers.
measured in metres. The
speed of the car, s, is in 35 and 37
kilometres per hour. The mass of the car, c, 64 and 54
is in kilograms. b) How could you use the exponent laws
a) What is the stopping distance for a
to alter these powers so you could easily
1000-kg car travelling at 50 km/h? compare them without finding their
values?
b) What is the stopping distance for a
2000-kg car travelling at 60 km/h? 324 and 643
c) Write the key sequence for solving part b)
using your calculator.

Stefan plans to make a mobile out of five equal-sized cubes with a side length
of 3 cm. He has the exact amount of paper he needs to create his mobile.
However, he then decides he would like the cubes to be larger.
a) Suggest a larger size for the cubes. Use whole number dimensions.
b) What is the minimum area of paper Stefan will need to create the five cubes 3 cm
that you suggest? Give your answer as an expression in exponential form.
Then, evaluate.
c) How much more paper will Stefan need than the original amount he had?
Give your answer as an expression in exponential form. Then, evaluate.

3.4 Using Exponents to Solve Problems • MHR 119

 Chapter 3 Review
Key Words 8. The area of a square on grid paper is 52.
Evaluate the area. Draw the square and
For #1 to #5, use the clues to unscramble the letters.
label its area and side length.
1. T F N F E E I C C O I
a number that multiplies a power 9. A cube has an edge length of 4 cm. Express
its volume in repeated multiplication form
2. N N T O E I P A X L E MORF and in exponential form. Then, evaluate.
the form for writing a number so that it
is made up of a base and an exponent
(two words)

3. E A S B
4 cm
the number in a power that is multiplied
repeatedly 10. Arrange the following numbers in ascending
order:
4. W R O E P
43 72 -34 9 25
an expression made up of a base and an
exponent
3.2 Exponent Laws, pages 99–107
5. T O X E N P N E 11. Rewrite each power in the following
products in repeated multiplication form.
the number in a power that indicates how
many times to repeatedly multiply the base a) 32 × 54
by itself b) (-3)3 × 26

12. Write each expression in parentheses as a

3.1 Using Exponents to Describe Numbers, power. Then, write the entire expression
pages 92–98 as a single power.
6. Write each expression as a power. a) (2 × 2 × 2) × (2 × 2)
a) 2 × 2 × 2 (4 × 4)(4 × 4 × 4 × 4)
b) _____________________
b) (-3) × (-3) × (-3) × (-3) (4 × 4 × 4)

7. Write each power in repeated 13. Write each expression in repeated

multiplication form. multiplication form, and then as a single
power.
a) 46
a) (-5)2 × (-5)5
b) 64
b) (32)4
c) (-5)7
d) -57

120 MHR • Chapter 3

14. Write each expression as the multiplication 3.4 Using Exponents to Solve Problems,
of two powers. pages 114–119
a) (6 × 4)3 20. What is the surface area of a cube with an
b) [(7 × (-2)]5 edge length of 5 m?

15. Write each expression as the division of

two powers.
4 2
( )
a) __
5
2 4
( )
b) __
7
5m

21. A population of ten bacteria doubles every

16. Evaluate. hour. This growth can be represented by
a) -4 2 N = 10(2)t, where N is the number of
b) (-10)0 bacteria, and t is the amount of time, in
hours. How many bacteria will there be
c) 32 × 33
after each number of hours?
a) 3
3.3 Order of Operations, pages 108–113 b) 6
17. Write the calculator key sequence you
would use to evaluate each expression. 22. A formula that approximates the distance an
object falls through air in relation to time is
a) (-2)2 + (-2)3
d = 4.9t2. The distance, d, is measured in
b) (23)2 - 4 × 60 metres, and the time, t, in seconds. A pebble
c) (-3)4 - (-3)3 + (2 × 4)2 breaks loose from a cliff. What distance
would it fall in each number of seconds?
18. Evaluate. a) 1
a) 72 + (-2)3 ÷ (-2)2 b) 2
b) (2 - 5)3 + 62 c) 6
6 2 0
(2) (2) - 13 × 2
c) ________________
2 5
(-1 + 2 )
2
3
d) (-1)10 + (-22)0 - __ (5)
19. Explain the mistake in Ang’s solution.
Determine the correct answer.
(-3)4 + 7 × 23
= 81 + 7 × 8
= 88 × 8
= 704

Chapter 3 Review • MHR 121

Chapter 3 Practice Test
For #1 to #6, choose the best answer. Short Answer
1. What is the value 3 in the power 43 called? 4
4 × 4 in repeated
9. Write the expression ______
2
A base B power 4
multiplication form, and then evaluate.
C exponent D coefficient

10. The formula for the volume of a cylinder

2. What is the coefficient in the expression
is V = πr2h. Find the volume, V, of a
-(-3)5?
cylinder with a radius of 3 cm and a
A -3 B -1 height of 6.4 cm. Express your answer
C 1 D 3 to the nearest tenth of a cubic centimetre.
r = 3 cm
3. What expression is represented by (32)4?
A (3 × 3)(3 × 3 × 3 × 3)
B (3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3)
h = 6.4 cm
C (3 × 3)(3 × 3)(3 × 3)(3 × 3)
D (3 × 3 × 3 × 3)(3 × 3 × 3 × 3)
(3 × 3 × 3 × 3)(3 × 3 × 3 × 3)
11. A skydiver free falls before opening the
4. What expression is equivalent to (5 × 4)2?
parachute. What distance would the
A 10 × 8 B 5 × 42 skydiver fall during 7 s of free fall? Use the
C 52 × 4 D 52 × 42 formula d = 4.9t2, where d is distance, in
metres, and t is time, in seconds.
3 5
(-7) (-7)
5. What is __________
2
expressed as a single
(-7)
power?
A (-7)6 B (-7)10
C (-7)13 D (-7)17

6. Evaluate (7 - 2)3 + 48 ÷ (-2)4.

A 338 B 128
C 10.8125 D -10.8125 12. Write the calculator key sequence you
would use to evaluate each expression.
Complete the statements in #7 and #8. Then, evaluate.
7. The expression 105 × 55 written with only a) (1 - 3)4 ÷ 4
one exponent is . b) (-2)0 + 4 × 170

6
c) 16 - 9(23) + (-4)2
5
8. The expression __6 written with only one
8
13. The prime factorization of 243 is
exponent is .
3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3. Write 243 as the
product of two powers of 3 in as many
ways as possible.

122 MHR • Chapter 3

14. A formula for estimating the volume of Extended Response
wood in a tree is V = 0.05hc2. The volume, 15. Nabil made an error in simplifying the
V, is measured in cubic metres. The height, following expression.
h, and the trunk circumference, c, are in
a) Explain his mistake.
metres. What is the volume of wood in a
tree with a trunk circumference of 2.3 m b) Determine the correct answer.
and a height of 32 m? Express your answer (12 ÷ 4)4 + (5 + 3)2
to the nearest tenth of a cubic metre. = (3)4 + 52 + 32
= 81 + 25 + 9
= 106 + 9
= 115

16. A type of bacterium triples in number every

24 h. There are currently 300 bacteria.
a) Create a table to show the number of
bacteria after each of the next seven days.
Express each number of bacteria as the
product of a coefficient and a power.
b) Determine a formula that will calculate
the number of bacteria, B, after d days.
c) Use the formula to find the number of
bacteria after 9 days.
d) How many were there 24 h ago? Explain
Oyster River, British Columbia your reasoning.

Create a mobile that uses at least three different types of regular three-dimensional
shapes such as a cube, a square-based prism, and a cylinder. You may wish to choose
a different type of geometric shape to build as well.

cube square-based prism cylinder

• Choose whole-number dimensions between 10 cm and 20 cm for each shape.
• Use a ruler and a piece of construction paper or other heavy paper to draw a net
for each shape.
• Build each shape.
• Use expressions in exponential form to label the surface area and the volume of
each shape.
• Evaluate each expression. Show all of your work.
• Make your mobile. Use colour and creativity!

Chapter 3 Practice Test • MHR 123