Repeated Multiplication

Part of the Exponents & Polynomials section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 1 of 62.

Fold a sheet of paper in half, again and again. After 10 folds, how many sheets thick is it? 20? 100? More?

Each fold doubles the number of sheets. After four folds:

${2}^{4} = 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2 = 16$

This short way of writing is a power. The base 2 is the number you multiply. The exponent 4 says how many 2s you multiply.

Challenge

How many sheets thick is the paper after 10 folds? Work out ${2}^{10}$ . Write each next line. A line with the wrong value is not accepted.

Try it yourself

2^{10}

Simplify

All lessons in Exponents & Polynomials

1What a Power Is

4Power of a Power

7Scientific Notation

10Multiplying Polynomials

2The Product Rule

5Product and Quotient Powers

8What a Polynomial Is

11Dividing by a Monomial