Exponents
Exponents The exponent of a number says how many times to use the number in a multiplication. In 8 2 the "2" says to use 8 twice in a multiplication, so 8 2 = 8 × 8 = 64 In words: 8 2 could be called "8 to the power 2" or "8 to the second power", or simply "8 squared" Exponents are also called Powers or Indices. Some more examples: Example: 5 3 = 5 × 5 × 5 = 125 In words: 5 3 could be called "5 to the third power", "5 to the power 3" or simply "5 cubed" Example: 2 4 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16 In words: 2 4 could be called "2 to the fourth power" or "2 to the power 4" or simply "2 to the 4th" Exponents make it easier to write and use many multiplications Example: 9 6 is easier to write and read than 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 × 9 You can multiply any number by itself as many times as you want using exponents. Try here: 3 4 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = ...