Review of Introductory Mathematics
EXPONENTS
EXPONENTS
This chapter covers the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of
numbers with exponents.
EO 1.12
APPLY one of the arithmetic operations of addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division using exponential
numbers.
Calculator Usage, Special Keys
Exponent key
Raising a number to an exponent requires the yx key to be pressed twice. First,
the base number is entered and the yx key is pressed; this enters the base number
(y). Next, the exponent number is pressed and the yx key is pressed; this enters
the exponent and tells the calculator to complete the calculation. The calculator
will display the value.
x squared key
Pressing this key squares the displayed number. This key will save time over
using the yx key.
Exponents
The product a x a x a x a can be written as a4, where 4 is called the exponent of a or power
to which a is raised. In this notation, a is often called the base.
Examples:
a4
a
a
a
a
53
5
5
5
(a
b)5
(a b)
(a b)
(a b)
(a b)
(a b)
When an exponent is not written, it is assumed to be 1. For example, a1 = a. An exponent
applies only to the quantity immediately to the left and below it. For example, in 3 + (-2)3 the
base is -2, but in 3 - 23 the base is 2.
Rev. 0
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MA-01
