1.3 KiB
1.3 KiB
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| Exponents |
Exponents
An exponent is shorthand for the number of times a number is multipled by itself. It is typically denoted with a superscript, karat, or with "to the power of" such as:
- 23
- 2^3
- 2 to the power of 3
In this example, 3 is the exponent.
To compute the value of 23, you would multiply 2 to itself 3 times: 2 * 2 * 2. This evaluates to 8.
The general format of writing an exponent is:
- base# of times you multiply base by itself
Common exponents have special names:
- An exponent of 2 means the number is squared. So 32 is referred to as 3 squared, evaluating to 9.
- An exponent of 3 means the number is cubed. So 23 is referred to as 2 cubed, evaluating to 8.
Negative Exponents
Negative exponents are computed similarly, except the value is placed as a denominator beneath a numerator of 1.
For example, 2-2 = 1/(2 * 2) = 1/4
More Examples
25 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 32
(-2)5 = -2 * -2 * -2 * -2 * -2 = -32
106 = 1,000,000
2-5 = 1/(2 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 2) = 1/32