What you’ll learn
Understand whole-number exponents.
Key idea
A whole-number exponent counts repeated factors; it is not an ordinary multiplier.
The superscript counts copies of the base, not an ordinary multiplier; a correct number does not excuse reversed base/count roles.
Worked example
Classify examples and non-examples for the concept 'Understand whole-number exponents'.
Classify whether 6^5 represents the proposed product 6×5. Cite the definition.
- The base is 6, and exponent 5 counts copies of that base.
- Thus 6^5 means 6×6×6×6×6, whose value is 7776.
Answer: Non-example — 6^5 contains 5 factors of 6, namely 6×6×6×6×6.
Quick Check
Classify examples and non-examples for the concept 'Understand whole-number exponents'.
Classify whether 6^2 represents the proposed product 6×6. Cite the definition.