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.