Objective 6

Raise integers to powers

2002 by R. Villar
All Rights Reserved

Exponents and Powers

Evaluate y y y y if y = 3
3 3 3 3 = 81
this is the same as 34 = 81
an = a a a ... a
exponent
an
base

Example:
=

36

Example: (6)2
=
Example:

Remember to use order of

operations.
This says to square 6, then take
the negative...
Note the difference from the first example.
This says to square 6...

36
2 + 3(8 + 7)3 Order of operations.
2 + 3(15)3
2 + 3(3375)
2 + 10125
10127

Parentheses first...
Next is Exponent...
Next is Multiply...
Next is Add...

Example: 27 3 3 2
2
23
2

(27 3 2 3 2 2 )
(2 32 )
=
=
=
=

(27 9 3 4)
(2 + 9)
(243 12)
(2 + 9)
231
11
21

Remember to use order of

operations
the fraction bar acts as a
grouping symbol (parentheses)

Within the parentheses, simplify

Exponents first...
Do Multiplication next...

Do Addition/Subtraction next...
Finally, Divide...