About Exponents

An exponent is a positive integer that indicates repeated multiplication. In the expression b^a,the “b” is called the base while the “a” is called the exponent.

This expression is read as “b to the power of a” or “b to the ‘a’ power,” and it means to multiply “b” by itself “a” times.

Learn about exponents in this interactive tutorial, including negative exponents and the power of zero.

If “b” is a non-zero real number, then b⁰ = 1.

If “b” is a non-zero real number, then b¹ = b.

Negative exponents are a special type of exponent.

If “b” is a non-zero real number and “a” is a positive integer, then b^-a = 1/b^a.

Get More Help!

Click one of these links to get more help from another Cramlet in this same chapter:

• Decimals to Fractions
• Working With Radicals
• Rational Exponents
• Radicals and Roots
• Properties of Real Numbers
• Properties of Exponents
• Multiplying and Dividing Fractions
• Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
• Adding and Subtracting Un-Like Fractions
• Adding and Subtracting Like Fractions
• About Real Numbers
• About Exponents