Using an index or power
Click to explore updated revision resources for GCSE Maths: How to use an index or power, with step-by-step slideshows, quizzes, practice exam questions, and more!
Here is a number written in index form:
2 is the base number and 4 is the index or power.
\(2^4\) is a short way of writing \(2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2\).
The power or index shows how many times a number has been multiplied by itself.
Using algebra
\(a^3\) (read as ‘\(a\) cubed’) is a short way of writing \(a \times a \times a\).
\(a\) has been multiplied by itself three times.
Similarly, \(a^2\) (read as '\(a\) squared’) is a short way of writing \(a \times a \).
\(a\) has been multiplied by itself.
More guides on this topic
- NEW: Whole numbers
- NEW: Order of operations and negative numbers
- NEW: Decimals
- NEW: Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages
- NEW: Higher – How to convert recurring decimals
- NEW: How to round numbers
- NEW: What is accuracy in maths?
- NEW: What are fractions?
- NEW: How to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions
- NEW: Multiples and factors
- NEW: Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple
- NEW: Laws of indices
- NEW: Negative and fractional indices
- NEW: Standard form
- NEW: Calculations using standard form
- Whole numbers - AQA
- Approximation - AQA
- Decimals - AQA
- Multiples and factors - AQA
- Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages - AQA
- Fractions - AQA
- Standard form - AQA
- Surds - AQA
- Financial mathematics - AQA
