# Natural Exponential

We learnt that the simplest exponential functions are of the form $y=a^x$ where $a>0$, $a \ne 1$. We can see that for all positive values of the base $a$, the graph is always positive, that is $a^x > 0$ for all $a>0$. There are an infinite number of possible choices for the base number. However, […]

# Exponential Equations (Indicial Equations)

The equation $a^x=y$ is an example of a general exponent equation (indicial equation) and $2^x = 32$ is an example of a more specific exponential equation (indicial equation). To solve one of these equations it is necessary to write both sides of the equation with the same base if the unknown is an exponent (index) […]

# Algebraic Factorisation with Exponents (Indices)

$\textit{Factorisation}$ We first look for $\textit{common factors}$ and then for other forms such as $\textit{perfect squares}$, $\textit{difference of two squares}$, etc. Example 1 Factorise $2^{n+4} + 2^{n+1}$. \begin{align} \displaystyle &= 2^{n+1} \times 2^{3} + 2^{n+1} \\ &= 2^{n+1}(2^{3} + 1) \\ &= 2^{n+1} \times 9 \\ \end{align} Example 2 Factorise $2^{n+3} + 16$. […]