This document discusses exponents and how to evaluate them. It defines exponents as a number that tells how many times a base number is multiplied by itself. It provides examples of how to read exponents written in exponential form, such as reading 3^4 as "three to the fourth power." The document explains how to evaluate exponents by multiplying the base by itself the number of times indicated by the exponent. It also discusses rules for evaluating exponents with negative bases or when the exponent is zero.

1. Exponents
By Monica YuskaitisBy Monica Yuskaitis

2. For Learning to Happen!
•Clear your desk of anything that may
distract you.
•Remove all other thoughts from your
mind.
•Pay close attention.
•Try all the examples.
•Ignore all other distractions.

3. Location of Exponent
 An exponent is a little number highAn exponent is a little number high
and to the right of a regular or baseand to the right of a regular or base
number.number.
3
4
Base
Exponent

4. Definition of Exponent
 An exponent tells how many timesAn exponent tells how many times
a number is multiplied by itself.a number is multiplied by itself.
3
4
Base
Exponent

5. What an Exponent Represents
 An exponent tells how many timesAn exponent tells how many times
a number is multiplied by itself.a number is multiplied by itself.
3
4
= 3 x 3 x 3 x 3

6. How to read an Exponent
 This exponent is readThis exponent is read three to thethree to the
fourth power.fourth power.
3
4
Base
Exponent

7. How to read an Exponent
 This exponent is readThis exponent is read three to thethree to the
22ndnd
powerpower oror three squared.three squared.
3
2
Base
Exponent

8. How to read an Exponent
 This exponent is readThis exponent is read three to thethree to the
3rd power3rd power oror three cubed.three cubed.
3
3
Base
Exponent

9. Read These Exponents
3 2 6 72 3 5 4

10. What is the Exponent?
2 x 2 x 2 = 2
3

11. What is the Exponent?
3 x 3 = 3
2

12. What is the Exponent?
5 x 5 x 5 x 5 = 5
4

13. What is the Base and the
Exponent?
8 x 8 x 8 x 8 = 8
4

14. What is the Base and the
Exponent?
7 x 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 =7
5

15. What is the Base and the
Exponent?
9 x 9 = 9 2

16. How to Multiply Out an
Exponent to Find the
Standard Form
= 3 x 3 x 3 x 33
9
27
81
4

17. What is the Base and Exponent
in Standard Form?
4
2
= 16

18. What is the Base and Exponent
in Standard Form?
2
3
= 8

19. What is the Base and Exponent
in Standard Form?
3
2
= 9

20. What is the Base and Exponent
in Standard Form?
5
3
= 125

21. Evaluating Exponents with
Negative Bases:
Ex1 (-2)4
= (-2)(-2)(-2)(-2) = 16
Ex2 -24
= -2(2)(2)(2) = -16
The negative is included within the
parenthesis. Expand the negative.
The negative is NOT included within
the parenthesis. Expand the 2 ONLY,
then attach the negative at then end.

22. Evaluating Exponents with
Negative Bases:
Ex3 (-5)3
= (-5)(-5)(-5) = -125
Ex4 -53
= -5(5)(5) = -125
The negative is included within the
parenthesis. Expand the negative.
The negative is NOT included within
the parenthesis. Expand the 5 ONLY,
then attach the negative at then end.

23. Exponents of Zero
Anything Raised to Zero = 1.
Ex5 20
= 1 Ex6 (-2)0
= 1
Ex7 -20
= -1 Ex8 x0
= 1
Notice this answer is -1, not just 1. This
is because the negative on the base of 2
is NOT being raised to the zero power.