Kuala Lumpur Trial 2025 Add Maths Paper 1, Question 1Indices, Surds & Logarithms

Solved on video in English · Form 4, Indices, Surds & Logarithms · 3:56 video

The question

(a)

Given that a³x − 9y) = 1, express x in terms of y.

(b)

Given that 9(3^(n − 1)) = 27^n, find the value of n.

Step 1

Any non-zero base raised to the power 0 equals 1, so a³x − 9y) = 1 = a⁰.

Why this step

We can only compare indices when the base matches. Writing 1 as a⁰ gives base a on the right, and forgetting this loses marks.

2 more steps, each with the reason for it, in the full solution

Final answer

x = 3y

Where students lose marks

Watch out: write 1 as a⁰ so the indices can be equated, and divide 9y by 3 carefully to get 3y.

4 more steps, each with the reason for it, in the full solution

Final answer

n = 1/2

Where students lose marks

Watch out: write 9 and 27 as powers of 3 first, and mind the signs when solving n + 1 = 3n.

Watch every step of this question solved on video (3:56), with the reason behind each step and a box that checks your own answer.

No card. Every past-year question on video, in English and BM.

Questions are re-typeset by Eduly for study and commentary. Eduly is not affiliated with Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia or the Ministry of Education.