Base
Definition
A base in mathematics is the number that is raised to a power by an exponent. For example, in 2^3, 2 is the base and 3 is the exponent.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The base of a number tells you what number is being multiplied.
- In any exponential expression a^b, 'a' represents the base.
- Changing the base alters the value of the entire expression significantly.
- The base must be a real number for calculations in real number systems.
- Bases are foundational in understanding exponential growth and decay.
Review Questions
- What role does the base play in an exponential expression?
- How does changing the base affect an exponential equation?
- Can a base be a negative number? Why or why not?
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Related terms
exponent: The power to which a base number is raised.
exponential growth: An increase that happens when the base of an exponential function is greater than one.
logarithm: The inverse operation to exponentiation, indicating how many times one number must be multiplied by itself to obtain another number.
