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Year 11 Foundation · Standard form

Write a large number in standard form

Definition

An index (or power) tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself. 2³ means 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. The small raised number is the index; the big number is the base.

Why Do I Have to Learn This?

Indices are a short way to write repeated multiplying, like 2 to the power 5. They power everything from computer memory to population growth.

Key Rules:

  • 1. To multiply powers of the same base, add the indices: x² × x³ = x⁵.
  • 2. To divide, subtract the indices.
  • 3. A square root undoes squaring; a cube root undoes cubing.

Remember:

  • 2³ is 2 × 2 × 2 = 8, not 2 × 3 = 6.
  • Anything (except 0) to the power 0 is 1.
  • The index rules only work when the base is the same.

Cube

A solid with six square faces, all the same size. Volume = side × side × side, written side³.

A dice and a sugar cube are cubes.

Animated Example:

2
×
2
×
2
23 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8

Free Write a large number in standard form Worksheet

Download free worksheets and practise today.

Every download has a fresh set of questions.

Let’s Practise the Concept

Step 1 of 3

Put them in order

Tap the numbers from smallest to largest.

In order so far: nothing yet