What Are Powers of Ten?
Powers of ten are like math superpowers!
When we raise 10 to different exponents (like 10² or 10³), we're multiplying 10 by itself a certain
number of times. This creates numbers like 100, 1,000, or even 1,000,000! Powers of ten help us
understand really big numbers and are used in science, computers, and even space exploration!
How to Evaluate Powers of Ten
1️⃣ Identify the exponent - the small number above and to the right of 10
2️⃣ Count the zeros - the exponent tells you how many zeros come after the 1
3️⃣ Write the number - start with 1 and add all those zeros!
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1
What is 104 equal to?
Remember: The exponent is 4, so we need ____ zeros after 1
Example 2
How would you write 100,000 as a power of ten?
Count the zeros: There are ____ zeros after 1
Power Patterns
101 = 10
102 = 100
103 = 1,000
104 = 10,000
105 = 100,000
See the pattern? Each power adds another zero!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Make it visual: Use pennies, dimes, and dollars to show how each power of ten relates to money (10 pennies = 1 dime, 10 dimes = 1 dollar).
- Real-world connection: Point out powers of ten in daily life - like how 1,000 meters make a kilometer or how computer storage uses powers of ten (megabytes, gigabytes).
- Challenge game: Take turns saying a power of ten (like "10 to the 4th") and having your child say the number, then switch roles.