Indices (Sec 1) Practice
Master all five laws of indices: product rule, quotient rule, power of a power, zero index, and negative index. Indices underpins logarithms, exponential functions, and scientific notation in later years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding bases instead of indices when multiplying: 2³ × 2⁴ ≠ 4⁷, it equals 2⁷
Applying laws to different bases: 2³ × 3⁴ cannot be simplified
Confusing a zero index (= 1) with a negative index (= reciprocal)
Practice Questions
Try each question. When you're stuck, reveal the Socratic strategy — a guided hint that teaches you how to think, not just what to write.
Simplify a⁴ × a³.
What is the value of 5⁰?
Express 2⁻³ as a fraction.
Parent & Tutor Insight
Indices look mechanical but are conceptually rich — a negative index is a reciprocal, not a negative number. Students who understand why the rules work (not just that they work) make far fewer errors under exam conditions.
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