An exponent tells you how many times to multiply a base by itself. In 2³, the base is 2 and the exponent is 3, giving 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. The expression is read as "two cubed" or "two to the third power."

Exponents follow rules. When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: 2³ × 2² = 2⁵. When raising a power to a power, multiply: (2³)² = 2⁶. A negative exponent means reciprocal: 2⁻³ = 1/8. A fractional exponent means a root: 2^(1/2) = √2.

Exponents appear in scientific notation, compound interest, population growth, and radioactive decay. They compress large and small numbers into manageable form. The concept extends to real and complex exponents through exponential and logarithmic functions. It is one of the most useful notations in mathematics.

• Indicates repeated multiplication
• Rules for multiplying and dividing powers
• Negative exponents give reciprocals
• Used in scientific notation and growth models