Level 7-8 Numbers - Indices

You'll come up against power numbers often in KS3 Maths. Power numbers, or indices, are the small numbers written above and to the right of other numbers. For example, cubed (³) and squared (²) are both types of indices.

In the Powers quiz you saw how, by writing numbers as powers of a common base, multiplication and division can be turned into addition or subtraction of indices. This makes calculations with large or small numbers much easier, as long as you follow the rules!

When multiplying add the powers, so 2² x 2³ = 2⁵. When dividing subtract the powers, so 2⁵ ÷ 2² = 2³. When working out a power of a number already raised to a power, multiply the powers, so the square of 2⁴ = 2⁸.

Let's find out whether you've got power over the powers! This quiz will give you plenty of practise. Good luck!