![]() | The exponent of a number states how plenty of times to usethe number in a multiplication. In this example: 82 = 8 × 8 = 64 |
In words: 82 can be referred to as "8 to the 2nd power", "8 to the strength 2" or simply "8 squared" |
Example: 53 = 5 × 5 × 5 = 125
In words: 53 have the right to be dubbed "5 to the third power", "5 to the strength 3" or just "5 cubed"
In general:
an speak you to usage a in a multiplication n times: | ![]() |
But those are positive exponents, what around something like:
8-2
That exponent is negative ... What does that mean?
Negative Exponents
Negative? What could be opposing of multiplying? Dividing!

That last instance showed an easier way to handle negative 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 renders Sense
My favorite method is to start with "1" and then main point or division as countless times together the exponent says, climate you will gain the ideal answer, because that 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: Cooking Sausage On George Foreman Grill, How Do You Cook Italian Sausage On A Forman Grill |
If friend look at that table, you will view that positive, zero or negative exponents room really component of the same (fairly simple) pattern.