Calculate exponents and powers with step-by-step working. Perfect for squares, cubes, and any power calculation.
An exponent indicates how many times a number (the base) is multiplied by itself. For example, 2³ means 2 × 2 × 2 = 8. The exponent is the small number written above and to the right of the base.
Any number (except 0) raised to the power of 0 equals 1. This is because dividing by itself repeatedly leads to 1. For example, 5⁰ = 1. Zero to the power of 0 is undefined.
A negative exponent means the reciprocal. x^(-n) = 1/(x^n). For example, 2^(-3) = 1/(2³) = 1/8 = 0.125. Negative exponents are useful in scientific notation and algebraic expressions.
Fractional exponents represent roots. x^(1/n) = ⁿ√x (the nth root of x). For example, 4^(1/2) = √4 = 2. Fractional exponents combine roots and powers in a single notation.
Exponents are used in: calculating compound interest, population growth models, computer science (binary), physics (energy calculations), chemistry (pH calculations), and engineering (signal processing).