An exponent is just a shortcut for repeated multiplication — 2³ means 2 × 2 × 2. So this lesson runs on solid multiplication facts and knowing how to multiply the same number again and again. Warm those up and powers feel simple.
Answer these 3, then press Show my path. No grade — this just points you to the right level.
1. What is 2 × 2?
2. What is 3 × 3?
3. What is 2 × 2 × 2?
An exponent tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself. The big number is the base; the small raised number is the exponent.
Your quick check picks one for you, but you can switch any time:
Level 0 Let's multiply one small step at a time.
A. 2 × 2 = ___
Two groups of 2 make 4.
B. Now take that answer and multiply by 2 again: 4 × 2 = ___
4 + 4 = 8, so 4 × 2 = 8. That is 2 × 2 × 2.
C. 3 × 3 = ___
Three groups of 3 make 9.
Level 1 Multiply the same number more than once.
A. 2 × 2 × 2 = ___
2 × 2 = 4, then 4 × 2 = 8.
B. 5 × 5 = ___
Five groups of 5 make 25.
C. 10 × 10 = ___
Ten tens make 100.
Level 2 Warm up straight into powers.
A. 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = ___ (that's 2 used four times)
2 × 2 = 4, 4 × 2 = 8, 8 × 2 = 16.
B. 3 × 3 × 3 = ___
3 × 3 = 9, then 9 × 3 = 27.
1. 2 × 2 × 2 = ___
2 × 2 = 4, then 4 × 2 = 8.
2. 4 × 4 = ___
Four groups of 4 make 16.
You've practiced exactly what Lesson 6-1 uses. Time to dive in.
Start Lesson 6-1 →