Last updated on Sep 20, 2026

Algebraic indices (Edexcel GCSE Maths): Flashcards

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Algebraic indices

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12 cards from this deck

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Definition of indices

Small numbers above & right of base showing times to multiply

Base in indices

The main number or letter being multiplied

Index/power shows

How many times to multiply the base by itself

Formula: $a^m \times a^n =$

$a^{m+n}$

Multiplying powers with same base

Add the indices

Formula: $a^m \div a^n =$

$a^{m-n}$

Dividing powers with same base

Subtract the indices

Formula: $(a^m)^n =$

$a^{mn}$

Power to a power

Multiply the indices

Formula: $(ab)^n =$

$a^n \times b^n$

Requirement for using index laws

Bases must be exactly the same

Hidden index (no visible power)

The power is 1

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Algebraic indices (Edexcel GCSE Maths): Flashcards

Practise the cards

Definition of indices

Base in indices

Index/power shows

Formula: am×an=a^m \times a^n =am×an=

Multiplying powers with same base

Formula: am÷an=a^m \div a^n =am÷an=

Dividing powers with same base

Formula: (am)n=(a^m)^n =(am)n=

Power to a power

Formula: (ab)n=(ab)^n =(ab)n=

Requirement for using index laws

Hidden index (no visible power)

Explore Edexcel GCSE Maths Revision Notes by Topics

Collecting like terms

Simplifying expressions

Algebraic indices

Substitution

Formulae

Writing formulae

Expanding brackets

Factorising

Linear equations 1

Linear equations 2

Inequalities

Solving inequalities

Sequences 1

Sequences 2

Coordinates

Gradients of lines

Linear equations 1

Linear equations 2

Inequalities

Solving inequalities

Sequences 1

Sequences 2

Coordinates

Gradients of lines

Straight-line graphs 1

Straight-line graphs 2

Real-life graphs

Distance-time graphs

Rates of change

Expanding double brackets

Quadratic graphs

Using quadratic graphs

Factorising quadratics

Quadratic equations

Cubic and reciprocal graphs

Simultaneous equations

Rearranging formulae

Using algebra

Identities

Explore Edexcel GCSE Maths Model Answers by Topics

Collecting like terms

Simplifying expressions

Algebraic indices

Substitution

Formulae

Writing formulae

Expanding brackets

Factorising

Linear equations 1

Linear equations 2

Inequalities

Solving inequalities

Sequences 1

Sequences 2

Coordinates

Gradients of lines

Linear equations 1

Linear equations 2

Inequalities

Solving inequalities

Sequences 1

Sequences 2

Coordinates

Gradients of lines

Straight-line graphs 1

Formula: $a^m \times a^n =$

Formula: $a^m \div a^n =$

Formula: $(a^m)^n =$

Formula: $(ab)^n =$