The laws of indices - fractional exponents
I can use the laws of indices with fractional exponents.
The laws of indices - fractional exponents
I can use the laws of indices with fractional exponents.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- All of the index laws can be applied with fractional exponents.
- Using a calculator can help you to form an idea about how to evaluate a power containing a fractional exponent.
- You can reason that a power with a fractional exponent is equivalent to finding the square root of the base.
- √a = a^(1/2)
Keywords
Reciprocal - A reciprocal is the multiplicative inverse of any non-zero number. Any non-zero number multiplied by its reciprocal is equal to 1.
Common misconception
Pupils multiply the base by the fractional exponent. e.g 25^(1/2) = 12.5
The use of a calculator allows pupils to see the index of a fraction is not to be multiplied by the base. Embedding the laws of indices where two bases are the same and each number has an index of 1/2 helps recognize the 1/2 index as a square root.
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: The laws of indices - fractional exponents, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 maths lesson on: The laws of indices - fractional exponents, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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