

A worksheet on exponents (powers) with positive and negative bases. In the exercises, students have to evaluate exponents with positive or negative integers as bases and evaluate expressions involving such exponents, brackets addition and/or subtraction. There are 40 problems. Detailed solutions are included.
Master Indices and Powers with Positive and Negative Bases!
Help your Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 maths students conquer indices with this comprehensive, no-prep practice worksheet! Evaluating powers with negative numbers can be incredibly tricky for students. This resource is specifically designed to target common misconceptions—like understanding the crucial difference between (-4)² and -4².
Whether you need a quick homework assignment, an independent practice sheet, cover work, or a formal assessment, this resource has you covered.
What is Included?
- Part A: Foundational Practice (30 Problems) – Focused exercises helping students evaluate positive and negative bases, both with and without brackets.
- Part B: Advanced Order of Operations (20 Problems) – Multi-step expressions that challenge students to apply index rules within complex maths strings (BIDMAS/BODMAS).Complete Answer Key – Full step-by-step solutions are included to make marking a breeze or to allow for student self-checking!
Perfect For:
- Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4) maths classrooms
- Years 7, 8, 9, and GCSE foundation students
- Homework tasks or independent classwork
- Starter activities, warm-ups, or exit tickets
- Extra practice and intervention for struggling learners
Aligned with the UK National Curriculum for Mathematics:
- Key Stage 3 Number: Use integer powers and associated roots (square, cube and higher), recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, 5 and distinguish between exact representations of roots and their decimal approximations.
- Key Stage 4 / GCSE Mathematics: Use index notation and understand the structure of calculating with positive and negative bases.
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