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Nth Power Calculator

Calculate any base raised to the power of n (x^n) for positive, negative, and fractional exponents with step-by-step exponent laws.

Power Result: 2^8
256
Scientific: 2.5600e+2
Calculation Steps:
Base b = 2, Exponent n = 8
Power rule: 2^8 = 256
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What Is a Nth Power Calculator?

Exponentiation is a mathematical operation written as b^n, involving two numbers: the base b and the exponent or power n. When n is a positive integer, it represents repeated multiplication.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the base number (b) and the exponent (n).
  2. View the calculated power result in standard and scientific notation.
  3. Follow the step-by-step explanation applying laws of exponents.

Laws of Exponents

b^n = \underbrace{b \times b \times \dots \times b}_{n \text{ times}}, \quad b^{-n} = \frac{1}{b^n}, \quad b^0 = 1 \quad (b \neq 0)

Negative exponents invert the base. Any non-zero base raised to the zero power equals 1.

Worked Example

Scenario: Calculate 2 raised to the power of 10

Base: b = 2, Exponent: n = 10

Operation: 2¹⁰ = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2

Result: 1,024

Result: 2¹⁰ = 1,024

Tips & Key Notes

  • Negative exponent rule: b^(-n) = 1 / (b^n). For example, 2^(-3) = 1 / 8 = 0.125.
  • Fractional exponent rule: b^(1/n) = ⁿ√b. For example, 9^(1/2) = √9 = 3.
  • Power of zero rule: Any non-zero number raised to the 0 power equals 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 0 to the power of 0?

In algebra and combinatorics, 0⁰ is commonly defined as 1, while in mathematical analysis it is considered an indeterminate form.

How do negative exponents work?

A negative exponent indicates reciprocal division: x^(-n) = 1 / (x^n). For instance, 10^(-2) = 1 / 100 = 0.01.

What is a fractional exponent?

A fractional exponent represents a radical root: x^(m/n) = ⁿ√(x^m). For example, 8^(2/3) = (∛8)² = 2² = 4.

What happens when you multiply powers with the same base?

Add the exponents together: b^m × b^n = b^(m + n).

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