1.0 KiB
1.0 KiB
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| Exponents |
Exponents
An exponent is shorthand for the the number of times a number is multipled by itself. It is often 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 multiple 2 to itself 3 times: 2 * 2 * 2. This evalutes to 8.
Common exponents have special names:
- Exponent of 2 is often referred to as squared. So 32 is referred to as 3 squared, evaluating to 9.
- Exponent of 3 is often referred to as cubed. So 23 is referred to as 3 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 = 22222 = 32
-25 = -2*-2*-2*-2*-2 = 32
106 = 1,000,000
2-5 = 1/(22222) = 32