TABLE OF CONTENTS We now turn to that aspect of multiplication that is so important to technical mathematics: taking a power or a root of a number. Both of these operations are represented by exponents.
The terms exponent, base, root, and power, have special meanings in mathematics. To help commit these terms to memory, study the diagram shown in Figure 6.1.
Definition of b n A power of a real number b is a product b n in which b is the base and the integer n is the exponent. Hence, b is used as a factor n times:
Find the value of 3 2.
Solution: 3 2 = 3 3 = 9 The Second power of 3 is 9.
We say, 3 squared is 9 or 3 to the second power is 9.
Find the value of ( 1) 5
Solution: ( ?1) 5 = ( ?1)( ?1)( ?1)( ?1)( ?1) = 1 The fifth power of ?1 is ?1.
b n is usually read as b to the nth power instead of b to the exponent n. Power also refers to the result of raising a number to an exponent. For example, the powers of 3 are 3, 9,...
