Indices (8300 - Foundation - Number)

Topic:Indices

Specification references (in recommended teaching order)

Specification content Specification notes
N6
  • Use positive integer powers and associated real roots (square, cube and higher)
  • Recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, 5

  • including square numbers up to 15x15
  • know that `1000 = 10^3` and 1 million = `10^6`

N7
  • Calculate with roots and with integer indices



    The subject content (above) matches that set out in the Department for Education’s Mathematics GCSE subject content and assessment objectives document.

    The expectation is that:

    • All students will develop confidence and competence with the content identified by standard type
    • All students will be assessed on the content identified by the standard and the underlined type; more highly attaining students will develop confidence and competence with all of this content
    • Only the more highly attaining students will be assessed on the content identified by bold type. The highest attaining students will develop confidence and competence with the bold content.

    Teaching resources

    Teaching resources - see below
    Downloadable resource in format. 29/08/2014

    Diagnostic Questions - Indices
    AQA have teamed up with Craig Barton's Diagnostic Questions website to share free diagnostic question assessment for our new 2017 GCSE Maths specification.01/03/2016

    Catchphrase: Squares, Roots and Cubes
    A powerpoint introducing squares, square roots, cubes and cube roots, with differentiated exercises and some fairly challenging metal calculations in a 'Catchphrase' style plenary activity. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
    CIMT: Laws of indices
    Introduction to the laws of indices followed by an online exercise.04/08/2015
    Index Laws Quiz
    Student select a level of difficulty and have a varied amount of time to work out the answer, timed by the Crystal Maze music. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
    Maths is Fun: Exponents
    An introduction to the use of indices, including what is meant by negative indices (higher tier only), followed by ten online questions.04/08/2015
    Tarsia Indices
    Eight tarsia activities involving simplification of index expressions and the laws of indices. Some of the tarsia activities are suitable for Foundation tier students. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015
    Transum Indices
    Online exercises involving the evaluation and simplification of surds. Levels 1 and 2 are suitable for Foundation tier students, level 7 offers an extension challenge for very able Higher tier students.04/08/2015
    Treasure Hunt: Squares, Cubes and Roots
    A straightforward treasure hunt style activity to allow practise of calculating squares, cubes and associated roots. You will need to register for a TES account to access this resource, this is free of charge. 04/08/2015

    Indices - Homework sheets
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 06/04/2010
    Indices - Index notation - Powerpoint
    Downloadable resource in ppt format. 11/04/2010
    Indices - Indices laws - Bingo powerpoint
    Downloadable resource in ppt format. 09/04/2010
    Indices - Indices laws - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 13/04/2010
    Indices - Indices laws - Powerpoint
    Downloadable resource in ppt format. 08/04/2010
    Indices - Indices laws - Spreadsheet
    Downloadable resource in xls format. 07/04/2010
    Indices - Indices laws - Starter powerpoint
    Downloadable resource in ppt format. 12/04/2010
    Indices - Lesson plan
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 14/04/2010
    Indices - Worksheet
    Downloadable resource in doc format. 10/04/2010

    Topic Tests

    8300 GCSE Foundation Indices Practice Mark Scheme
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 09/11/2022
    8300 GCSE Foundation Indices Practice Topic Test
    Downloadable resource in pdf format. 09/11/2022

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