Numerical Concept 1: Indices

This topic focuses on understanding powers (indices) and their properties. Students explore rules governing indices including multiplication, division, zero index, negative indices, and fractional indices. The topic enhances algebraic manipulation and prepares learners for exponential equations and scientific notation.

Learning Outcomes:

The learner should be able to:

• give approximate answers to calculations.
• write numbers to a given number of significant figures.
• differentiate between significant figures and decimal places.

• Convert numbers to and from standard form.

• Identify base number and index.

• state and apply the laws of indices in calculations and simplifying expressions.

• use a calculator to find powers and roots.

• Interpret and evaluate expressions involving zero and negative indices.
• Solve exponential equations involving indices.