Module 7 · Exponents · Lesson 29 of 39

Exponents

A short way to write repeated multiplication.

In this lesson · about 10 minutes

  • Name the base and exponent
  • Write repeated multiplication with an exponent
  • Evaluate powers, including negative bases

An exponent says how many times to use the base as a factor. In 46, the base is 4 and the exponent is 6: 46 = 4 · 4 · 4 · 4 · 4 · 4.

Going the other way, 63 in expanded form is 6 · 6 · 6 = 216. With a negative base, keep the parentheses: (−2)3 = (−2) · (−2) · (−2) = −8.

Try it · interactive

Exponent explorer

Change the base and exponent. Watch what happens with a negative base and an odd or even exponent.

23 = 8

2 · 2 · 2

2 is used as a factor 3 times.

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Tip: master each practice set first (get 5 right in a row).

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