top of page
Writer's pictureSallyann Clark

IB Maths AI SL/HL - Indicies

Updated: Jun 17


Task 1 - Real Numbers and Laws of Indices


Understand and use the laws of indices for all rational exponents.


Before beginning the course, it is really important you understand some terminology and revise what you covered in GCSE maths for indices and surds.


Go and watch 'Introducing Subsets of Real Numbers'.


From the Venn diagram below, you can see that N is a subset of Z, Z is a subset of Q and Q is a subset of R.



Write the title Real Numbers at the top of a notebook page and draw the Venn diagram below adding examples of numbers to each subset. Write the statement above under the diagram explaining what each letter stands for.



Next, revise the laws of indices that you started in GCSE maths.


Watch 'Indicies: The Laws of Indicies' TLMaths.


Go back to your notebook and split two pages into quarters. Split the first box diagonally. Write the title The Laws of Indices. In the two smaller boxes write the law for X¹ and Xº. Use the other boxes to journal the remainder of the laws, make sure the law is clear and you use an example. This is the page you will refer to until you memorise all the laws. If you are struggling with the laws of indices watch this I'm Stuck 'Index Laws and Indicies' video and just try to write down each law correctly. Do not worry too much about being able to use it yet. If you are feeling confident with using the first few laws, multiplying and dividing indices, then complete the Corbett Maths worksheets.





One very important use of indices is writing numbers in standard form. You should be quite confident at this by now so to end this task complete as many levels as you can of Standard Form on Transum. Ideally, you can start at level 3/4. If you are finding level 3 difficult then go and read the BBC article 'What is Standard Index Form?'. Then have a break before starting at level 1. Make a note of where you got to by printing out the final level you completed and sticking it into your folder (not your notebook/journal). You will keep your maths work separate from your journaling.


Task 2 - Negative Indices


Understand and use the laws of indices for all rational exponents.


Next, you are going to look a bit more closely at working with negative indices.

Watch TLMaths 'Examples of Negative Indices.


Go and complete Pre-Algebra Unit 11 - Negative Exponents on Khans Academy.


Corbett Maths has a set of worksheets to help you practice working with negative indices. There are links to help videos at the top of the worksheets if you are finding it difficult. Complete the work and add it to your workbook.


Task 2 - Positive and Negative Rational Indices


Understand and use the laws of indices for all rational exponents.


Watch TLMaths 'Positive Rational Indices'.


Go to Khans Academy and complete Algebra 2 Unit 6: Rational Exponenets and complete it down to the end of Quiz 1. It does get more challenging as it proceeds so see how far you can get.


Corbett Maths has a set of worksheets to help you practice working with negative indices. There are links to help videos at the top of the worksheets if you are finding it difficult. Complete the work and add it to your workbook.


Watch TLMaths 'Negative Rational Indices'.



Complete Evaluating exponents & radicals on Khans Academy.

Go to Studymaths and answer the fractional indices questions. If you get 8/10 correct great! If you get less than 8 correct ask for another set of questions and practice until you can get 8 correct.


Task 3 - Simplifying Expressions with Indices


Understand and use the laws of indices for all rational exponents.


Watch TLMaths 'Simplifying Expressions'.


If you are struggling at this point watch Corbett Maths 'Equations with Indices'.


Khans Academy is really going to take you through working with indices in expressions and simplifying them. It is important you know how to work with indices but if at this point you are not super confident then complete the work you can and make a note of your difficulties in your progress report. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice and improve as the course progresses. Work from Equivalent forms of exponential expressions to the end of the quiz.


Task 4 - Round Up


Understand and use the laws of indices for all rational exponents.


Complete the worksheets 'Equations Involving Indices/Roots' on Corbett Maths.

If you feel able, complete the more challenging Unit Test at Khans Academy.


Here is a link to the CIMT workbook and activities. If you have time I would suggest you work your way through the unit and check that your understanding is complete.


Go to your syllabus, and highlight the area you have completed. Then go to your progress sheet and complete it for this unit of work, note any difficulties, tasks you want to go back to in the future and any helpful sites/books you have used.



36 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page