What are indices (exponents)?

1. Read & Understand

An index (or exponent) tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself.

Example:
2³ = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8

Here:

• 2 is the base

• 3 is the exponent (index)

Think of an exponent as a shorthand for repeated multiplication.

2. Try It Yourself

Expand the following in full multiplication form:

• 3² = ____

• 4³ = ____

• 5⁴ = ____

3. Real-World Connection

• A square with sides of 6 units has an area of 6² = 36

• A cube with edges of 3 units has a volume of 3³ = 27

• Computer memory grows in powers of 2 → 2¹⁰ = 1024

Exponents appear in math, science, and technology.

4. Watch Out for Mistakes

• 2³ ≠ 6 → it equals 8

• 3² ≠ 6 → it equals 9

Exponents = repeated multiplication, not simple multiplication.