Level 3-4 Algebra - Powers

Powers - the word makes you think of something important. And well it should. Powers are a major part of KS3 Maths, especially in the field of algebra. Powers are the small numbers that appear to the upper right of other numbers. Although small they can make a huge difference!

Powers are also known as indices or exponents. Whichever word you use, they all mean the same thing. Powers are an easy way to show that a number has been multiplied by itself. It's easy to write 2 x 2, or even 2 x 2 x 2. But when it comes to longer multiplications powers save both time and space!

How would you write the number 10 billion? Well, 10 billion is 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 10,000,000,000. But, it's much easier and quicker to write 10¹⁰. This saves a lot of paper when writing out very large numbers!

Test your powers in this quiz. Take your time and read every question carefully before you submit your answers. Good luck!.