Unit 1: Integers
I. Key Words
Topic Key Words Meaning Example
1.1 Factors, multiples A number that divides exactly into
Factor 3 is a factor of 12
and primes another number
The result of multiplying a number
Multiple 24 is a multiple of 6
by an integer
A number with exactly two factors:
Prime number 7, 13, 29
1 and itself
Composite number A number with more than two factors 12
Highest Common The largest number that divides two
HCF(12, 18) = 6
Factor (HCF) or more numbers exactly
Lowest Common The smallest multiple common to
LCM(4, 6) = 12
Multiple (LCM) two or more numbers
Diagram used to find prime factors
Factor tree 60 → 6×10 → 2×3×2×5
of a number
1.2 Multiplying and Whole number
Integer −5, 0, 9
dividing integers (positive, negative, or zero)
Positive integer Greater than zero 4
Negative integer Less than zero −8
Subtraction is the inverse of
Inverse operation Opposite mathematical operation
addition
A statement believed to be true, “The product of two
Conjecture
based on observation negatives is positive.”
1.3 Square roots and The product of a number multiplied
Square number 5² = 25
cube roots by itself
A number that when squared gives
Square root √25 = 5
another number
The product of a number multiplied
Cube number 3³ = 27
by itself twice
A number that when cubed gives
Cube root ∛27 = 3
another number
Natural number Counting numbers and zero 0, 1, 2, 3, …
Any number that can be written as a
Rational number ¾, 2, −1.5
fraction
How many times to multiply a
1.4 Indices Index / Power 2⁴ = 2×2×2×2
number by itself
Base The number being multiplied In 3⁵, 3 is the base
The small raised number showing
Exponent In 3⁵, 5 is the exponent
how many times to multiply
“When multiplying powers,
Generalise To form a rule based on patterns
add the indices.”
II. Key Content & Formulae
1.1 Factors, multiples and primes
- Every number > 1 is either prime or can be written as a product of prime factors.
- Factor tree helps find prime factors.
- HCF = product of common prime factors.
- LCM = product of all prime factors using highest powers.
1.2 Multiplying and dividing integers
- Rules for signs:
(+) × (+) = (+)
(+) × (−) = (−)
(−) × (+) = (−)
(−) × (−) = (+)
- Division follows same rules.
- Multiplication and division are inverse operations.
1.3 Square roots and cube roots
- Every positive number has two square roots (±).
- Negative numbers have no real square root.
- Every number has one cube root (positive or negative).
- Sets of numbers: Natural ⊂ Integers ⊂ Rational ⊂ Real
1.4 Indices
- Repeated multiplication: a² = a × a, a³ = a × a × a
- Laws of indices:
aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ
aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ
(aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ
a⁰ = 1 (a ≠ 0)
III. Review Questions
1.1 Factors, multiples and primes
- Draw factor trees.
- Write numbers as products of primes.
- Find HCF and LCM.
1.2 Multiplying and dividing integers
- Apply sign rules in multiplication and division.
- Explain why the product of two negatives is positive.
1.3 Square roots and cube roots
- Find square/cube numbers.
- Solve x² = a, x³ = a.
- Classify numbers as natural, integer, or rational.
1.4 Indices
- Expand powers.
- Apply index laws.
- Write large numbers as powers of 10.