An exponent tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself. In 5 to the power of 3, the exponent 3 means 5 times 5 times 5, which equals 125. The number being multiplied is the base.
Math Dictionary / Exponent
Exponent
An exponent tells how many times to use a base as a factor.
AlgebraGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
In 5^3, the exponent 3 means 5 x 5 x 5.
Also called: power
Examples
| 2^4 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16 |
| 10^3 = 1000 |
| x^2 means x times x |
Common mistake
Do not multiply the base by the exponent. 3^4 is 81, not 12.
Try one
Question: Evaluate 4^3.
Show answer
4^3 = 4 x 4 x 4 = 64.