Repeated Multiplication
Part of the Numbers & Operations section of Coddy's Pre-Algebra journey. Lesson 34 of 60.
Multiplication is a short way to write repeated addition: 4 × 3 stands for 3 + 3 + 3 + 3. A power does the same job for repeated multiplication. 2^4 means four 2s multiplied together: 2^4 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2.
The 2 is the base, the number being multiplied. The small raised 4 is the exponent: it counts how many times the base appears. To work out a power, write it out and multiply one pair at a time: 2 × 2 × 2 × 2, then 4 × 2 × 2, then 8 × 2, then 16.
The classic slip is to multiply the base by the exponent. 2^4 is not 2 × 4, which is 8. The exponent only counts the factors; it is never one of them.
Challenge
Work out 6^3. First tap the power on the board and choose the move that writes it as repeated multiplication. Then multiply one pair at a time, one line each.
Try it yourself
Simplify the expression
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Numbers & Operations
1Working on the Board
Your First AnswerType the Next LineOne Line at a TimeDots and BarsFriendly ProductsRecap: Board Work4Adding Integers
Adding Two NegativesDifferent SignsZero PairsAdding Several IntegersRecap: Adding Integers7Exponents
Repeated MultiplicationSquares and CubesPowers of TenNegative BasesWhere the Minus SitsRecap: Exponents2Order of Operations
Multiply Before AddingLeft to RightParentheses FirstBrackets Inside BracketsThe Fraction Bar GroupsRecap: Order of Operations5Subtracting Integers
Add the OppositeSubtracting a NegativePlus and Minus in a RowDistance Between NumbersRecap: Subtracting Integers