Grade 8 Exponents Quiz 1 draws its questions at random from 32 questions across these topics:
A few of the question types, with full solutions, so you know what to expect.
Exponential notation. In \(7^4\), which number is the base?
Answer: \(7\)
The base is the number being multiplied repeatedly. It sits on the line.
The exponent is the small raised number. It counts how many times.
Tip: Base on the bottom, exponent on the top.
Exponential notation. Write \(6 \times 6 \times 6 \times 6\) in exponential form.
Answer: \(6^4\)
Count how many sixes are being multiplied: there are 4 of them.
The repeated number becomes the base, the count becomes the exponent.
Tip: \(4^6\) is not the same thing - the base and exponent are not interchangeable.
Exponential notation. What does \(5^3\) mean?
Answer: \(5 \times 5 \times 5\)
The exponent 3 tells you to write down three 5s.
Then multiply them together.
Tip: An exponent means repeated MULTIPLICATION, never repeated addition.
Exponential notation. Which statement is correct?
Answer: \(4^3 = 64\)
\(4^3\) means \(4 \times 4 \times 4\).
\(4 \times 4 = 16\), then \(16 \times 4 = 64\).
Tip: \(4 \times 3 = 12\) is the most common mistake in this whole topic. The exponent counts, it does not multiply.
Calculating powers. Calculate \(3^4\).
Answer: \(81\)
\(3^4 = 3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3\)
\(3 \times 3 = 9\), \(9 \times 3 = 27\), \(27 \times 3 = 81\)
Tip: \(27\) is \(3^3\) - one step short. Count your threes carefully.