What Are Powers?
Powers (or exponents) are a shortcut for repeated multiplication!
When you see something like 5³ (read as "five to the power of three"), it means 5 × 5 × 5. The base (5) is the number being multiplied, and the exponent (3) tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself.
How to Evaluate Powers
1️⃣ Identify the base - the big number at the bottom
2️⃣ Find the exponent - the small number up top
3️⃣ Multiply the base by itself as many times as the exponent says
Let's Try Some Examples!
What is 24 ?
Calculate 35
Try these on your own first, then click the buttons to check your work!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real-world examples: Show how powers are used in computer memory (bytes), area calculations, or even in games like Minecraft where blocks build up exponentially.
- Make it a game: Create a "power race" where you and your child take turns solving powers quickly. Start with smaller exponents and gradually increase.
- Visualize with objects: Use blocks or coins to physically build the multiplication (e.g., for 2³, make 2 groups of 2 groups of 2 coins).