IGCSE Maths Specification

Edexcel A 4MA1

Section 2.1: Use of symbols

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#2.1A

understand that symbols may be used to represent numbers in equations or variables in expressions and formulae

#2.1B

understand that algebraic expressions follow the generalised rules of arithmetic

#2.1C

use index notation for positive and negative integer powers (including zero)

\(a × a × a = a^3\)

\(a^{-5} = \dfrac{1}{a^5}; \quad a^0 = 1\)

#2.1D

use index laws in simple cases

\(a^m × a^n = a^{m+n}\)

\(a^m ÷ a^n = a^{m-n}\)

\((a^m)^n = a^{mn}\)

#2.1E

use index notation involving fractional, negative and zero powers