We study some properties of the early evolution of the universe with particle creation in the framework of the flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker line element. The field equations are solved by using "gamma-law" equation of state p = (γ − 1)ρ, where the parameter γ varies with cosmological time. A unified description of the early evolution of the universe is presented in which an inflationary phase is followed by a radiation-dominated phase. Exact expressions for the lookback time, proper distance, luminosity distance and angular diameter distance versus redshift are derived and their meaning discussed in detail. It is found that the negative pressure due to the particle creation may play the role of an accelerating universe.