- Definition
Exponential notation is a shorthand way to write repeated multiplication, where a small number (the exponent) tells you how many times to multiply the main number (the base) by itself. For example, 5 with a small 4 means 5 multiplied by itself 4 times (5 x 5 x 5 x 5).
The expression 2³ is exponential notation for 2 × 2 × 2.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Exponential notation is like a recipe for growth, telling you which number to start with and how many times to multiply it by itself.
Ask your child: If 5 is the base and 3 is the exponent, what story does that tell?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse 5⁴ with 5 × 4. The exponent tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself, not what to multiply it by.
Examples
- 10² means 10 × 10, or 100.
- In 7⁵, the base is 7 and the exponent is 5, so you multiply 7 by itself five times.
exponential notation is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
