How to Use Exponents to Write down Multiplication Expressions?

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn more about exponents and how to use them to write down multiplication expressions.

Exponential expression is a method of writing down powers in a short form. The base number signifies which number gets multiplied. An exponent is a small number written above the right-hand side of the base number. It shows the number of times the base number gets multiplied. For instance, 8 may be written in a form of \(2×2×2=2^3\), \(2\) is the base, and \(3\) is the exponent. It is read as “two to the third power”.

A step-by-step guide to using exponents to write down multiplication expressions

Identify the number that is being multiplied. This is the base of the exponent.
Write down the base with a superscript indicating the number of times the base is being multiplied.
If the base is being multiplied by itself more than once, the exponent will be the number of times the base is being multiplied.

For example, to write down 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 using exponents, you would write: 2^4, where 2 is the base and 4 is the exponent indicating that 2 is being multiplied by itself 4 times.

Using Exponents to Write down Multiplication Expressions – Example 1

Write the expression using an exponent.
\(8×8×8×8=\)__
Solution:
Since \(8\) is used \(4\) times, so the base is \(8\) and the exponent is repeat times, that is, \(4\). So, it is \( 8^4\).

Using Exponents to Write down Multiplication Expressions – Example 2

Write the expression using an exponent.
\(5×5×5×5×5×5×5=\)__
Solution:
Since \(5\) is used \(7\) times, so the base is \(5\) and the exponent is repeat times, that is, \(7\). So, it is \(5^7\).