Evaluating Powers (1)

Calculating 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 takes a long time to write out.

So we have invented a shortcut way of writing it.

 

After checking that all the numbers are the same (here they are all 2s), count them up.

There are 7 here.

 

So, instead of writing 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, we can write 2⁷ 

 

We read 2⁷ as 2 to the power of 7 or as 2 to the 7.

 

This is what 2⁷ means:

2 x 2 = 4

4 x 2 = 8

8 x 2 = 16

16 x 2 = 42

32 x 2 = 64

64 x 2 = 128

 

So, 2⁷ = 128

 

Be careful

This has nothing to do with the number 7 itself!

It is not the same as 2 x 7 = 14.  This would be the answer to 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2

 

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?