NumberDiagram

Visual Understanding

Part of Index LawsGCSE Mathematics

This diagram covers Visual Understanding within Index Laws for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Index Laws in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 6 of 13 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 6 of 13

Practice

14 questions

Recall

22 flashcards

Visual Understanding

Why a⁰ = 1

Pattern:
2³ = 8
2² = 4 (÷2)
2¹ = 2 (÷2)
2⁰ = 1 (÷2)
Dividing by 2 each time

Multiplication Law

2³ × 2² = ?
(2×2×2) × (2×2)
= 2×2×2×2×2
= 2⁵
3 + 2 = 5 ✓

Negative Powers

2⁻³ = 1/2³ = 1/8
3⁻² = 1/3² = 1/9
10⁻¹ = 1/10 = 0.1
Flip to denominator!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Index Laws. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Index Laws

Which of these is equivalent to a³ × a⁵?

  • A. a⁸
  • B. a¹⁵
  • C.
  • D. 2a⁸
1 markstandard

Simplify a⁵ × a³

1 markfoundation

Quick Recall Flashcards

Zero Power Law
a⁰ = 1 ANY number to power 0 equals 1 (except 0⁰ which is undefined) Examples: 5⁰ = 1, 100⁰ = 1
Division Law
aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ SUBTRACT the powers Example: 5⁶ ÷ 5² = 5⁴

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