What Are Exponents?
Exponents are like math shortcuts!
They show how many times a number (called the base) is multiplied by itself. For example, 5³ means 5 × 5 × 5. The small number (3) is the exponent, and the big number (5) is the base.
Exponent Rules to Remember
1️⃣ Multiplication Rule: When multiplying with the same base, add the exponents (xᵃ × xᵇ = xᵃ⁺ᵇ)
2️⃣ Division Rule: When dividing with the same base, subtract the exponents (xᵃ ÷ xᵇ = xᵃ⁻ᵇ)
3️⃣ Power Rule: When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents ((xᵃ)ᵇ = xᵃᵇ)
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Understanding Exponents
74 = 7 × ? × ? × ?
How would you write out 74 in expanded form?
Great job! 74 = 7 × 7 × 7 × 7
Example 2: Applying Exponent Rules
Simplify: (23)2 = ?
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world connections: Show how exponents are used in computer memory (bytes), area calculations, or population growth to make learning relevant.
- Visual aids: Use graph paper to demonstrate how exponents grow quickly by coloring squares (2×2, 3×3, etc.).
- Game approach: Play "Exponent War" with cards where each player flips two cards (base and exponent) and the highest value wins.