Understand the Rules Behind Indices & Inequalities
A student may know that 2³ equals 8. But what happens when the question contains negative indices, fractional indices or several algebraic expressions? Similarly, a student may know how to solve a linear equation but become confused when the question contains an inequality sign instead of an equals sign. These are common challenges when revising Secondary 4 Mathematics. For students entering Secondary 4 in Singapore in 2027, understanding O Level Maths indices and inequalities can help strengthen algebraic reasoning and improve confidence when tackling unfamiliar questions. Both topics involve mathematical rules, but knowing the rules alone is not enough. Students must understand when each rule applies, why it works and how to avoid common errors. What Are Indices and Inequalities in O Level Maths? Indices are powers used to represent repeated multiplication. For example, 3⁴ means 3 × 3 × 3 × 3, which equals 81. Inequalities compare quantities that are not necessarily equal. Th...