Exponents Meaning and Definition
Exponents
Pronunciation
/ɛkˈspɒnɪts/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A mathematical concept representing a power or a multiple of a base, where the base is raised to a certain power, denoted as ‘a’ and ‘n’ respectively, to give ‘a’ to the power ‘n’ or ‘a’ to the ‘n’.
Examples
- 2 to the power of 3 is 8.
- The formula for calculating the area of a circle is A = πr^2, where ‘A’ is the area and ‘r’ is the radius.
- The operation ‘a’ to the power of ‘n’ can be denoted as ‘a^n’.
- The formula for calculating the volume of a sphere is V = (4/3)πr^3, where ‘V’ is the volume and ‘r’ is the radius.
Synonyms
- Power
- Multiplication
Etymology
The term ‘exponent’ comes from the Latin ‘exponere’, meaning ‘to put forth’ or ‘to show forth’, and was first used in the 16th century to describe a quantity raised to a power.
Usage Notes
Exponents are commonly used in algebra, geometry, and other branches of mathematics to simplify complex calculations and represent ratios.
Cultural References
Exponents have appeared in various forms of media, such as movies, TV shows, and video games.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
‘To be a power in its own right’ means to be significant or influential in its own right.
Related Words or Phrases
- Base
- Power
- Multiplicity
Collocations
- Exponent in mathematics
- To the power of
Frequency of Use
Exponents are frequently used in scientific, mathematical, and engineering contexts, but are not commonly used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Eksponts
- Expencers