Difference between revisions of "Exponentiation"
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In mathematics, '''exponentiation''' is the name for the operation also called ''raising to a power.'' In simple cases, it refers to repeated multiplication. It is indicated by a ''superscript,'' a small number or expression written above the line: | In mathematics, '''exponentiation''' is the name for the operation also called ''raising to a power.'' In simple cases, it refers to repeated multiplication. It is indicated by a ''superscript,'' a small number or expression written above the line: | ||
| − | *2<sup>6</sup>, "two to the sixth power," 2& middot;2& middot;2& middot;2& middot;2& middot;2 = 64 | + | *2<sup>6</sup>, "two to the sixth power," 2·2·2·2·2·2 = 64 |
*''x''<sup>4</sup>, "''x'' to the fourth power," ''x''·''x''×''x''×''x'' | *''x''<sup>4</sup>, "''x'' to the fourth power," ''x''·''x''×''x''×''x'' | ||
| − | *''y''<sup>''n''</sup>, "''y'' to the n-th power," ''y''& middot;''y''& middot;''y''& middot; ... & middot;''y'', where ''y'' appears ''n'' times. | + | *''y''<sup>''n''</sup>, "''y'' to the n-th power," ''y''·''y''·''y''· ... ·''y'', where ''y'' appears ''n'' times. |
Revision as of 19:12, June 19, 2007
In mathematics, exponentiation is the name for the operation also called raising to a power. In simple cases, it refers to repeated multiplication. It is indicated by a superscript, a small number or expression written above the line:
- 26, "two to the sixth power," 2·2·2·2·2·2 = 64
- x4, "x to the fourth power," x·x×x×x
- yn, "y to the n-th power," y·y·y· ... ·y, where y appears n times.