Lesson 3 — Powers & Verbal Expressions
Explain the Power (step-by-step)
What is a power? A power is a quick way to show repeating multiplication.
- Base: the number or variable being multiplied (like x).
- Exponent: how many times we multiply the base by itself (like 3).
x3 means x · x · x (three x’s multiplied).
Say it: “x to the third power.” Special words: 2nd power is “squared,” 3rd power is “cubed.”
Examples
- 24 = 2·2·2·2 = 16
- a2 = a·a (a squared)
- m3 = m·m·m (m cubed)
Power Sandbox
Verbal Expressions → Algebra (how to translate)
Strategy (3 steps):
- Spot the action word (sum, difference, product, quotient, more than, less than, of, squared, cubed…).
- Pick a variable for “a number,” like n or x.
- Order matters: “more than” and “less than” flip order carefully!
| Verbal expression | Algebra | Notes |
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