91Ó°ÊÓ

${\text{a}}^{\text{x}}→$a is the base and x is exponent.

The power is the result of repeated multiplication of the same factor.

The expressionsa^xthis means that a has been used as a factor x times

Example: Write the product $5 · 5 · 5 · 5$in exponent.

Rule: ${\text{a}}^{\text{x}}→$a is called base and x is power.

For:$5 · 5 · 5 · 5$:the base a = 5 and multiplied by 4 times.

In repeated multiplication: $5 · 5 · 5 · 5$in exponent form $5^4$

Evaluate the expression $m^2$ whenm = 3.

According to the exponent rule:

${\text{a}}^{\text{x}}→$a is called base and x is power.

a = m and x = 2

In repeated multiplication:$m^2=m  ·  m$

When m = 3:$m^2=m  ·  m  =  3  ·  3  =  9$

The value of $m^2$after evaluating the power is 9.