Quick check · one tap
What is the value of x^0 (for x not equal to zero)?
1 — any non-zero number to the power of zero equals 1 x^0 equals 0 because raising something to the zero gives nothing
Number is a core part of GCSE Maths. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts Place value The value of a digit depends on its position.
Integers & negatives Whole numbers including negatives; rules for + − × ÷.
Primes & factors Prime numbers, factors, multiples, HCF and LCM.
Order of operations BIDMAS: brackets, indices, division/multiplication, addition/subtraction.
Rounding & estimation Rounding to decimal places or significant figures.
Standard form Writing very large or small numbers as A × 10ⁿ.
Prime Whole number > 1 with only 1 and itself as factors
Factor A whole number that divides exactly into another
Multiple Result of multiplying a number by a whole number
HCF Highest Common Factor — biggest factor shared by both
LCM Lowest Common Multiple — smallest shared multiple
Square root Number that multiplied by itself gives the original
Index The power: in 2³ the 3 is the index
Base The number being raised: in 2³ the 2 is the base
Show all 14 key concepts What your exam board covers Where Number sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.
AQA Number Spec 8300 Structure and calculation Fractions, decimals and percentages Measures and accuracy Source: AQA GCSE Mathematics (8300) specification — Subject content , accessed 23 June 2026.
CCEA Number Spec 2210 Part of: Content domains (across the units)
Source: CCEA GCSE Mathematics (2017) specification , accessed 9 July 2026.
Edexcel Number Spec 1MA1 Structure and calculation Fractions, decimals and percentages Measures and accuracy Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Mathematics (1MA1) specification , accessed 23 June 2026.
Eduqas/WJEC Number Spec C300QS Structure and calculation Fractions, decimals and percentages Measures and accuracy Source: Eduqas GCSE Mathematics specification , accessed 9 July 2026.
OCR Number Spec J560 Calculations with integers Whole number theory Combining arithmetic operations Inverse operations Fractions Decimal fractions Percentages Ordering fractions, decimals and percentages Powers and roots Standard form Exact calculations Approximation and estimation Source: OCR GCSE (9–1) Mathematics (J560) specification , accessed 23 June 2026.
Cambridge IGCSE Number Spec 0580 Types of number Sets Powers and roots Fractions, decimals and percentages Ordering The four operations Indices I Standard form Estimation Limits of accuracy Ratio and proportion Rates Percentages Using a calculator Time Money Exponential growth and decay Surds Source: Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) syllabus , accessed 23 June 2026.
Edexcel IGCSE Numbers and the number system Spec 4MA1 Integers Fractions Decimals Powers and roots Set language and notation Percentages Ratio and proportion Degree of accuracy Standard form Applying number Electronic calculators Source: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics (Spec A) (4MA1) specification , accessed 23 June 2026.
L Learn Number step by step
Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:
Common mistakes to avoid Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
What is the value of x^0 (for x not equal to zero)? ✗ x^0 equals 0 because raising something to the zero gives nothing. ✓ 1 — any non-zero number to the power of zero equals 1.
What does x^(1/2) mean? ✗ x^(1/2) means x divided by 2 — half of x. ✓ The square root of x (the positive root when x is positive).
Does multiplying always make a number bigger? ✗ Yes, multiplication always increases a number. ✓ No — multiplying by a number between 0 and 1 makes it smaller.
How do you decide the order of operations? ✗ Always strictly left to right. ✓ Brackets, indices, then ×/÷, then +/− (BIDMAS).
Practise Number — free games
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