Mastering Indices: An Introduction for JSS 2 Students Mathematics JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Mathematics
Class: JSS 2 (Basic 8)
Term: First Term
Week: Week 2
Previous Lesson: Whole Numbers Notation and Numeration of Numbers
Topic: Introduction to Indices
Age: 12-13 years
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to:

  1. Define indices and understand its basic concepts.
  2. Express numbers using indices.
  3. Identify and apply the laws of indices in simplifying expressions.
  4. Solve simple problems involving indices.

Keywords:

  • Indices
  • Exponent
  • Base
  • Power
  • Laws of Indices

Set Induction:

The teacher will start the lesson by asking the pupils to multiply 2 by itself three times (2 times 2 times 2). The teacher then explains that this multiplication can be written in a shorter form using indices.

Entry Behaviour:

The pupils should have basic knowledge of multiplication and whole numbers.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Flashcards with different numbers and their indexed forms.
  • Charts showing the laws of indices.
  • Whiteboard and marker.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

The teacher will connect the lesson to pupils’ previous knowledge of multiplication by showing how repeated multiplication can be represented using indices.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Numerical skills

Learning Materials:

  • Mathematics textbooks
  • Exercise books
  • Index cards

Reference Books:

  • New General Mathematics for Junior Secondary Schools 2
  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for Mathematics JSS 2

Instructional Materials:

  • Charts on laws of indices
  • Flashcards with indices examples
  • Whiteboard and marker

Content:

  1. Definition of Indices: Indices refer to the number of times a number (called the base) is multiplied by itself. It is also known as the exponent or power.
  2. Representation: For example, 2 raised to the power of 3 (written as 2^3) means 2 is multiplied by itself 3 times (2 times 2 times 2), which equals 8.
  3. Laws of Indices:
    • Multiplication Law: When you multiply the same base, add the exponents. For example, a^m times a^n equals a^(m+n).
    • Division Law: When you divide the same base, subtract the exponents. For example, a^m divided by a^n equals a^(m-n).
    • Power of a Power Law: When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents. For example, (a^m)^n equals a^(m*n).
    • Zero Exponent Law: Any number raised to the power of zero equals 1. For example, a^0 equals 1.
    • Negative Exponent Law: A negative exponent means taking the reciprocal of the base. For example, a^(-n) equals 1/a^n.
  4. Examples:
    • 2^4 = 2 times 2 times 2 times 2 = 16
    • 3^3 = 3 times 3 times 3 = 27
    • 5^2 = 5 times 5 = 25
    • a^2 times a^3 = a^(2+3) = a^5

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduction to Indices
The teacher introduces the concept of indices by explaining that it represents repeated multiplication of the same number.

Step 2: Explaining Laws of Indices
The teacher explains the laws of indices with examples, writing them on the board and demonstrating how they are applied.

Step 3: Solving Problems Involving Indices
The teacher provides sample problems for the pupils to solve, applying the laws of indices.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Define and explain indices.
  • Demonstrate the laws of indices using examples.
  • Guide pupils through solving problems involving indices.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
  • Participate in class discussions and examples.
  • Solve given problems on indices.

Assessment:

  1. Express 3 times 3 times 3 times 3 as an index.
  2. Simplify 5^3 times 5^2.
  3. What is the value of 2^4?
  4. Simplify 7^5 divided by 7^2.
  5. What is the result of 10^0?

Evaluation Questions:

  1. What are indices?
  2. Express 4 times 4 times 4 as an index.
  3. State the multiplication law of indices.
  4. Simplify 2^3 times 2^2.
  5. What does a^(-3) represent?
  6. Calculate the value of 6^2.
  7. Simplify (3^2)^3.
  8. What is the result of 7^0?
  9. Write 5^(-2) in fractional form.
  10. Solve 8^4 divided by 8^2.

Conclusion:

The teacher will summarize the lesson, emphasizing the key points about indices, and then go around to check and mark the pupils’ work, providing feedback where necessary.