An exponent is often referred to as a number that is raised to a certain power. You may also hear them referred to as indices that term creeped in during the late seventeenth century. The number of the exponent indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself. For example, 63 just indicates that we multiply 6 by itself 3 times or 6 x 6 x 6. In this way exponents are really a shorthand form of math. You will find this math at all construction sites. When a building or home is built the number of square feet determines the value of everything. When an exponent is a negative number the result is always a fraction. This is because a fractional exponent means that the base is on the wrong side of the fraction line (the denominator). The fraction is made up of a numerator equal to one. To determine the denominator, we make the negative exponent positive.
Below you will find eleven topics that include exponents in some way shape and form. Each topic has an independent lesson that will teach you the skill and a guided lesson that will baby step you into to performing these calculations all on your own. There are also plenty of practice worksheets and quizzes to help you gauge where you stand with each topic. The worksheet topics below are arranged alphabetically because this skill falls into the dead middle of most spiral curriculums.