Tarsia: Multiply and Divide: Index Laws

Mastering the laws of indices requires practice, but repetitive worksheets can quickly disengage students. This hexagonal Tarsia puzzle transforms index laws into an interactive, self-correcting challenge.

Students must simplify expressions involving the multiplication and division of indices—including positive, negative, and numerical coefficients—and match them with their simplified answers to assemble the final large hexagon.

• Tarsia.pdf: The main puzzle file featuring a variety of differentiated expressions to test core understanding.

• Tarisa Solution.pdf: A clear visual guide of the completed hexagon for quick, effortless marking or student self-assessment.

• Multiplication law: xᵐ × xⁿ = xᵐ⁺ⁿ

• Division law: xᵐ ÷ xⁿ = xᵐ⁻ⁿ

• Handling coefficients alongside algebraic indices (e.g., 2x³ × 4x² = 8x⁵)

• Working confidently with negative integers and zero indices (e.g., 5x³ × 4x⁻⁵ = 20x⁻²)

• Self-Correcting: Students know immediately if they’ve made a mistake if the pieces don’t fit together, promoting independence and peer collaboration.
• Versatile: Perfect as an engaging lesson starter, a robust consolidation activity, or a dynamic revision tool before assessments.
• Low Prep, High Engagement: Just print, cut out the triangles, and hand them to your students.

Top Tip: Print on colored cardstock and laminate the sets to create a durable, reusable resource for years to come!