Exponents

Definition

Exponents are a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a number, called the base, is multiplied by itself. They are written as a small number to the upper right of the base number.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Any non-zero number raised to the power of zero equals one.
2. Exponents follow specific rules such as the product rule (a^m * a^n = a^(m+n)) and the power rule ((a^m)^n = a^(mn)).
3. The exponent 2 is commonly referred to as 'squared', and the exponent 3 as 'cubed'.
4. Negative exponents represent reciprocal values, for example, a^-n = 1/(a^n).
5. Prime factorization often involves expressing numbers as products of primes raised to various exponents.

Review Questions

• What is 3^4?
• How would you simplify (2^3)^4 using exponent rules?
• What does it mean if an exponent is negative?

Related terms

Base: The number that is being multiplied when using an exponent.

Power Rule: A rule stating that (a^m)^n equals a^(mn).

Prime Factorization: Expressing a composite number as the product of prime numbers raised to their respective exponents.