Why use exponents?

Exponents are a shortcut method used to write a number with the same factor repeated. Exponents are more effective with larger numbers but can be used with smaller ones as well. Exponents are written in superscript after a regular-sized number. The number in larger font is called the base. The number in superscript is the exponent and describes how many times the base is multiplied by itself.

For example:

The number 8 can be written as 2³ because 2 x 2 x 2 = 8

In this example, 2 is the base and 3 is the exponent.

2³ is read as "2 cubed" or "2 raised to the third power".