Exponents (Powers): A Simple Explanation

Remember mates, I can't figure out how to use exponents on a computer yet, so these will stand in for exponents: ➀ ➁ ➂ ➃ ➄ ➅ ➆ ➇ ➈ ➉ (Sorry for the inconvenience!)

Here's what the numbers in a problem with exponents, or "powers" are called.

I have seen some classmates misuse the exponent. This problem seems to be very common. What happens is: Students take the exponent and multiply it with the base number. So going by this picture, they would come up with -

8 (base number) x ➁ (exponent) = 16

BUT THIS ISN'T CORRECT!

Let's have a brief interview with this exponent ➁ from the problem.

Nike: Hey, exponent, how are you today?

Exponent: Feeling powerful Nike, thanks for asking.

N: Good! Now exponent, can you remind all the viewers what made you so famous?

E: Well I help Base Numbers multiply themselves.

N: How do you do this, exactly?

E: It's simple, really: see that 8 there?

N: Yes.

E: Well I'm not telling number 8 to "times" itself by me.

N: Oh?

E: A number has to rely on itself. I'm helping the 8 to become a bigger number. I'm saying, "8, times yourself BY yourself!"

N: So in other words...

E: I'm only telling the 8 to times ITSELF twice. 8 x 8 = 64.

N: So what if a ➆ were involved instead of you, ➁?

E: Well I don't much care for ➆, becuase ➆ ate ➈.

N: Oh Exponent, you crack me up!

E: Let's try a more understandable problem. Let's invite Exponent-Babe to show us how to do 2➂.

N: That's a great idea: Exponent-Babe is smart and sexy!

So there we have it. Between the talking exponent and Exponent-Babe's examples, you should have a better understanding of how they work. Here are two easy and quick tips to remember:

☼ DON'T multiply the base number with the exponent!
☼ Multiply the base number by itself; the exponent just tells you how many times to multiply it by.

It's dangerous to go alone; take this chart! (save it to your computer, it will help you!)

Questions, comments, concerns, or funny pictures of cats: artfromnike@gmail.com