![]() | The exponent of a number claims how many times to usethe number in a multiplication. In this example: 82 = 8 × 8 = 64 |
In words: 82 can be dubbed "8 come the second power", "8 come the strength 2" or simply "8 squared" |
Example: 53 = 5 × 5 × 5 = 125
In words: 53 have the right to be called "5 to the 3rd power", "5 to the strength 3" or merely "5 cubed"
In general:
an speak you to usage a in a multiplication n times: | ![]() |
But those room positive exponents, what around something like:
8-2
That exponent is negative ... What does the mean?
Negative Exponents
Negative? What could be the contrary of multiplying? Dividing!

That last example showed one easier way to handle an unfavorable exponents:
Calculate the positive exponent (an)4-2 | = | 1 / 42 | = | 1/16 = 0.0625 |
10-3 | = | 1 / 103 | = | 1/1,000 = 0.001 |
It All makes Sense
My favorite an approach is to begin with "1" and also then main point or divide as plenty of times as the exponent says, climate you will obtain the ideal answer, for example:
.. Etc.. | ![]() | ||
52 | 1 × 5 × 5 | 25 | |
51 | 1 × 5 | 5 | |
50 | 1 | 1 | |
5-1 | 1 ÷ 5 | 0.2 | |
5-2 | 1 ÷ 5 ÷ 5 | 0.04 | |
.. Etc.. See more: Which Of The Following Was Not Characteristic Of Impressionist Music |
If girlfriend look at the table, girlfriend will view that positive, zero or an adverse exponents are really component of the very same (fairly simple) pattern.