Exponents are a fundamental concept in mathematics that are used to describe and
work with repeated multiplication. Understanding exponents is essential for solving
many algebraic problems and they appear frequently in various branches of
mathematics, science, and engineering.
Basic Concepts
Definition:
An exponent refers to the number of times a base number is multiplied by itself. It
is written as a small number (called the exponent) to the upper right of the base
number. For example, in
2
3
2
3
, 2 is the base and 3 is the exponent, meaning
2
3
=
2
×
2
×
2
=
8
2
3
=2×2×2=8.
Notation:
The expression
𝑎
𝑛
a
n
means
𝑎
a is multiplied by itself
𝑛
n times, where
𝑎
a is the base and
𝑛
n is the exponent.
Exponent Rules
Product of Powers:
When multiplying two expressions with the same base, add their exponents:
𝑎
𝑚
×
𝑎
𝑛
=
𝑎
𝑚
+
𝑛
a
m
×a
n
=a
m+n
.
Example:
2
3
×
2
4
=
2
3
+
4
=
2
7
=
128
2
3
×2
4
=2
3+4
=2
7
=128.
Quotient of Powers:
When dividing two expressions with the same base, subtract the exponent of the
denominator from the exponent of the numerator:
𝑎
𝑚
𝑎
𝑛
=
𝑎
𝑚
−
𝑛
a
n
a
m
=a
m−n
.
Example:
5
6
5
2
=
5
6
−
2
=
5
4
=
625
5
2
5
6
=5
6−2
=5
4
=625.
Power of a Power:
When raising an exponent to another exponent, multiply the exponents:
(
𝑎
𝑚
)
𝑛
=
𝑎
𝑚
×
𝑛
(a
m
)
n
=a
m×n
.
Example:
(
3
2
)
3
=
3
2
×
3
=
3
6
=
729
(3
2
)
3
=3
2×3
=3
6
=729.
Power of a Product:
When raising a product to an exponent, apply the exponent to each factor:
(
𝑎
𝑏
)
𝑛
=
𝑎
𝑛
𝑏
𝑛
(ab)
n
=a
n
b
n
.
Example:
(
2
×
3
)
2
=
2
2
×
3
2
=
4
×
9
=
36
(2×3)
2
=2
2
×3
2
=4×9=36.
Power of a Quotient:
When raising a quotient to an exponent, apply the exponent to the numerator and the
denominator:
(
𝑎
𝑏
)
𝑛
=
𝑎
𝑛
𝑏
𝑛
(
b
a
)
n
=
b
n
a
n
.
Example:
(
2
3
)
2
=
2
2
3
2
=
4
9
(
3
2
)
2
=
3
2
2
2
=
9
4
.
Zero Exponent:
Any non-zero base raised to the power of zero equals 1:
𝑎
0
=
1
a
0
=1, provided
𝑎
≠
0
a
=0.
Example:
7
0
=
1
7
0
=1.
Negative Exponent:
A negative exponent indicates reciprocal:
𝑎
−
𝑛
=
1
𝑎
𝑛
a
−n
=
a
n
.
Example:
2
−
3
=
1
2
3
=
1
8
2
−3
=
2
3
1
=
8
1
.
Special Exponents
Square and Square Roots:
Squaring a number means raising it to the power of 2:
𝑎
2
a
2
.
The square root is the inverse operation:
𝑎
=
𝑎
1
/
2
a
=a
1/2
.
Cube and Cube Roots:
Cubing a number means raising it to the power of 3:
𝑎
3
a
3
.
The cube root is the inverse operation:
𝑎
3
=
𝑎
1
/
3
3
=a
1/3
.
Applications
Scientific Notation:
Exponents are used to express very large or very small numbers in scientific
notation. For example,
3
×
1
0
8
3×10
8
represents 300,000,000.
Exponential Growth and Decay:
Exponential functions model phenomena where quantities grow or decay at a rate
proportional to their current value. Examples include population growth,
radioactive decay, and interest calculations.
Algebra:
Exponents are used in polynomial expressions and equations, such as
𝑥
2
+
5
𝑥
+
6
x
2
+5x+6, and in solving quadratic and higher-degree equations.
Examples
Simplifying Expressions:
Simplify
(
2
3
×
2
4
)
÷
2
2
(2
3
×2
4
)÷2
2
.
Solution:
2
3
+
4
−
2
=
2
5
=
32
2
3+4−2
=2
5
=32.
Evaluating Exponential Functions:
Evaluate
(
5
2
)
3
(5
2
)
3
.
Solution:
5
2
×
3
=
5
6
=
15
,
625
5
2×3
=5
6
=15,625.
Conclusion
Exponents are a powerful mathematical tool that simplifies the representation of
large numbers and repeated multiplication. Understanding the rules and applications
of exponents is essential for solving a wide range of mathematical problems and is
foundational for higher-level math and science courses.
