📚 Topic Summary
Exponents are a shorthand way of showing repeated multiplication. Instead of writing $2 \times 2 \times 2$, we write $2^3$. The number being multiplied (in this case, 2) is called the base, and the number of times it's multiplied (in this case, 3) is the exponent or power. Understanding exponents helps simplify calculations and is fundamental for more advanced math.
A power is the result you get after performing the exponentiation. So, in the example above, $2^3 = 8$, the number 8 is the power.
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Base |
A. The number that indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself. |
| 2. Exponent |
B. A shorthand way of showing repeated multiplication. |
| 3. Power |
C. The number being multiplied. |
| 4. Exponential Notation |
D. The result obtained after raising the base to the exponent. |
| 5. Squared |
E. When the exponent is 2. |
(Answers: 1-C, 2-A, 3-D, 4-B, 5-E)
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the correct words:
The ________ tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself. In the expression $5^3$, 5 is the ________ and 3 is the ________. $7^2$ is read as 7 ________. The ________ of $4^3$ is 64.
(Answers: exponent, base, exponent, squared, power)
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain in your own words why exponents are useful. Give an example.