Multiplication is a familiar concept for everyone. The main idea of multiplication is to shorten addition of the same number. It is much easier to read [math] 2+2+2+2+2[/math] in a form [math] 5\cdot 2.[/math] Powers are used to shorten multiplication: [br][br]  [math]\large \underbrace{2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2}_{\text{2 is multiplied with itself 6 times}}=2^6.[/math]

So, power is an abbreviated notation for the multiplication of a number with itself:[br][br][math]\large \textcolor{blue}{\underbrace{a\cdot a\cdot a\cdots a}_{\text{n times}} = a^n},[/math][br][br]where [color=#0000ff][i]a[/i] is base[/color] and [color=#0000ff][i]n[/i] is exponent[/color].[br][br][color=#0000ff]Example 1[/color]. In [math]7^9[/math], 7 is the base and 9 is the exponent.[br][br]If the exponent is two, then often we talk about the square of the number. If the exponent is three, then we are talking about the cube of a number.[br][br]Check your calculator to see how the power can be calculated. Some may have [math]\boxed{x^y}[/math] or others [math]\boxed\wedge. [/math] For example, use the familiar [math]5^2[/math] to study how to use the key correctly. Again, this varies by calculator.[br][br]