1. Introduction to Exponents Definition: Let b represent a real number and n a positive integer. Then … b is called the base and n is called the exponent. n factors of b

2. Example 1 Base: 3 Exponent: 4 Result: 4 factors of 3

3. When we expand an exponential expression we say that we are evaluating the exponential expression Example 2 Evaluate: Important note: the exponent only applies to what immediately precedes it, or the 6 in this case, but not the negative.

4. Example 3 Evaluate: Since this time the -6 is in parentheses, the exponent applies to both the 6 and the negative.

5. Example 4 Evaluate:

6. Example 5 Evaluate:

7. Example 6 Evaluate: