Exponential notation

Definition

Exponential notation is a mathematical way to represent numbers as a base raised to an exponent. It simplifies the expression of very large or very small numbers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In exponential notation, the general form is $a^n$ where $a$ is the base and $n$ is the exponent.
2. When multiplying numbers with the same base, add their exponents: $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$.
3. When dividing numbers with the same base, subtract their exponents: $\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$.
4. Raising a power to another power multiplies the exponents: $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$.
5. Any non-zero number raised to the zero power equals one: $a^0 = 1$.

Review Questions

Related terms

Base:

The number that is multiplied by itself when raised to an exponent in exponential notation.

Exponent:

The power to which a number (the base) is raised in exponential notation.

Scientific Notation:

A method of expressing very large or very small numbers by combining powers of ten with decimal numbers.