Identifying an exponent and its base is the prerequisite for simplifying expressions with exponents.
Format of an exponent and base: bn
Exponent: The term, n, that describes the number of times that a base should be multiplied by itself.
Base: The term, b, that is being multiplied n times.
1. Exponent and Base Practice
Identify each exponent and base:
1. 34
exponent:
base:
2. x4
exponent:
base:
3. 7y3
exponent:
base:
4. (x + 5)5
exponent:
base:
5. 6x/11
exponent:
base:
6. (5e)y+3
exponent:
base:
7. (x/y)16
exponent:
base:
2. Exponent and Base Answers
1. 34
exponent: 4
base: 3
2. x4
exponent: 4
base: x
3. 7y3
exponent: 3
base: y
Note: Order of operations apply here. 7y3 is like saying 7 times y3. After y is cubed, then you multiply by 7. The variable y, not 7, is being raised to the third power.
4. (x + 5)5
exponent: 5
base: (x + 5)
5. 6x/11
exponent: x
base: 6
6. (5e)y+3
exponent: y + 3
base: 5e
7. (x/y)16
exponent: 16
base: (x/y)