Powers and Roots
Exponents and square roots, taught the way maths should be — by working problems on a figure. Start with what an exponent means, learn to work out powers of whole numbers, then meet square roots as the opposite of squaring and learn to simplify them.
CodePLU Goal
Upgrading Human Mental Models
Learn how to think in Workflows
What Is an Exponent?
An exponent is shorthand for repeated multiplication: 2⁴ means 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16. Label the base, exponent, repeated multiplication and value on a worked power, in an interactive playground.
How Do You Work Out Powers of Whole Numbers?
To work out a power of a whole number, multiply the base by itself as many times as the exponent says: 3²=9, 2³=8, 5²=25. Compute four powers and land each on its value in an interactive playground.
What Is a Square Root?
A square root undoes squaring: √9 = 3 because 3 × 3 = 9. Learn the radical sign and perfect squares, then work out four roots in an interactive playground.
How Do You Simplify a Square Root?
√12 isn't whole, but it hides a perfect square: √12 = 2√3. Learn to pull out the largest perfect-square factor and simplify four roots in an interactive playground.