C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Number Representation & Place Value·procedural

Square and cube numbers

Use integer powers and associated real roots (square, cube, and higher); recognise powers of 2, 3, 4, and 5; distinguish between exact representations of roots and their decimal approximations

Suggested ages 11–14

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Evidence of understanding

  • Calculate squares, cubes, and higher integer powers of whole numbers
  • Find square roots and cube roots of perfect squares and perfect cubes
  • Recognise key powers (powers of 2 up to 2¹⁰, powers of 3 up to 3⁵, etc.) and distinguish exact roots from approximations

Assessment prompt

Can Square and cube numbers work out that √25 = 5 and ∛27 = 3 — knowing these are the inverse of squaring and cubing — and say whether √50 is closer to 7 or 8?

Standards alignment

8.EE.2US · ccss-math

Square and cube roots

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · 8

KS3.Maths.Num.7GB · uk-nc-2013

Integer Powers and Roots

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3