vdoc

Chapter 6
F. Measurement Conversions
Part I.F
Use various numbering methods such as
scientific notation, decimals, and fractions,
and convert values between these methods.
(Application)
Body of Knowledge I.F
EXPONENTS
Positive Exponents
Using positive exponents is a shorthand way to represent a number that is multiplied
by itself. For example, given
2× 2× 2 = 8
we can represent the multiplication statement in exponent form: 2 3 . The first number,
2, represents the number being multiplied by itself. The superscript 3 is the
exponent, and it tells us how many times the number 2 is multiplied by itself.
Conversely, an exponent can be converted to a multiplication statement. For
example, 4 5 represents
4× 4× 4× 4× 4=
1024
A special case occurs when the exponent equals zero. Any nonzero number with
an exponent equal to zero will equal 1. For example, 5 0 = 1. This is read as “five to
the zero power equals one.”
For any number x with an exponent equal to 1, we say “x to the first power.”
For example 5 1 is read “five to the first power.”
For any number x with an exponent equal to 2, we say “x squared.” For
example, 5 2 is read as “five squared.”
For any number x with an exponent equal to 3, we say “x cubed.” For example,
5 3 is read as “five cubed.”
If we have 5 4 , we say “five to the fourth power.” The number 5 5 is read “five to
the fifth power,” and so on.
51