What Powers Mean

A power is just repeated multiplication packed into shorthand. Instead of writing 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, you write 2⁵. The big number is the base; the small raised one is the exponent, and it counts how many times you multiply.

This tiny notation hides enormous reach. 2⁵ is only 32, but 2³⁰ is over a billion. The same trick covers areas, volumes, computer memory, and growth that races out of control. Master a handful of squares, cubes, and powers of two, and you can size up huge quantities in your head — no calculator needed.