Integers and exponents

Junior High 6 questions

What integers and exponents means

You learn how to work with negative numbers and powers in clear steps. This helps you solve number questions quickly and avoid sign errors in later Maths work.

What you will practise

Add and subtract integers on a number line
Multiply and divide negative numbers correctly
Use the rules of indices for the same base
Simplify expressions with powers and brackets
Check answers by keeping track of signs

Before you start

You should already be comfortable with whole numbers, number lines, multiplication tables, and basic order of operations. It also helps to know what a power, base, and index mean.

Not confident yet? Work through Ratio, rates and proportion first.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Evaluate (−7) + 12.

−19
−5
5
19

Answer: 5

Working: Start at −7 and move 12 to the right on the number line: −7 + 12 = 5.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting that a negative and a negative give a positive in multiplication
Adding indices when the bases are different instead of the same
Mixing up subtraction of a negative number with simple addition
Leaving answers unsimplified instead of writing the final power or integer

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This topic usually appears in Junior High School number work, before learners move on to ratio, rates and proportion. It supports BECE preparation by strengthening number skills needed across many algebra questions.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.