What is an Exponent?

An exponent, also known as a power or index, is a mathematical operation that represents repeated multiplication of a number by itself. It's written as bⁿ, where b is the base and n is the exponent. This operation is fundamental in mathematics and is used in various fields, including science, engineering, and finance.

How to Calculate an Exponent

To calculate an exponent:

1. Identify the base (b) and the exponent (n).
2. Multiply the base by itself n times.
3. The result is bⁿ.

Formula

The general formula for exponents is:

bⁿ = b × b × b × ... (n times)

Calculation Steps

1. Identify the base (b) and exponent (n).
2. Write out the base multiplied by itself n times.
3. Perform the multiplication.
4. The final result is bⁿ.

Example

Let's calculate 2⁴:

1. The base is 2 and the exponent is 4.
2. Write out the multiplication: 2 × 2 × 2 × 2
3. Perform the calculation: 2 × 2 = 4, then 4 × 2 = 8, then 8 × 2 = 16
4. Therefore, 2⁴ = 16

This calculator automates this process, allowing you to quickly compute bⁿ for any values of b and n, providing both the result and a step-by-step explanation.