Question

how do exponent work?

Answer 1

Hey Meddy!
\(\Large\bf \color{#CC0033}{\text{Welcome to OpenStudy! :)}}\)


When a number is written in front like this:
\(\Large\rm \rightarrow \quad 2x\)
It tells us to `add x's`. (We have two x's in this example).
\(\Large\rm 2x=x+x\)

Another example:
\(\Large\rm 5x=x+x+x+x+x\)


When a number is written in the exponent position like this:
\(\Large\rm x^2\quad \leftarrow\)
It tells us to `multiply x's`.
\(\Large\rm x^2=x\cdot x\)

Another example:
\(\Large\rm x^4=x\cdot x\cdot x\cdot x\)

Answer 2

If you haven't been introduced to variables yet, then here are some examples using numbers.

\(\Large\rm 2(3)=3+3\)
\(\Large\rm 2(3)=6\)

\(\Large\rm 3^2=3\cdot3\)
\(\Large\rm 3^2=9\)

\(\Large\rm 2(4)=2+2+2+2\)
\(\Large\rm 2(4)=8\)

\(\Large\rm 2^4=2\cdot2\cdot2\cdot2\)
\(\Large\rm 2^4=16\)