Exponents: Power Up Your Numbers

Exponents show repeated multiplication. \( 2^4 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 16 \).

Laws of Exponents

• Multiply: \( a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n} \)
• Divide: \( a^m / a^n = a^{m-n} \)
• Power: \( (a^m)^n = a^{mn} \)

Scientific Notation

Big and small numbers are easier with scientific notation: \( 3,500,000 = 3.5 \times 10^6 \).

Why It’s Useful

Scientists and engineers use scientific notation to handle huge or tiny numbers—like measuring planets or atoms!