Exponent
/ɪkˈspoʊnənt/
nounB2
Definition
An exponent can mean two main things. First, it is someone who strongly supports or explains a particular idea or activity. Second, in mathematics, it is a small number written above and to the right of a number that tells how many times to multiply that number by itself.
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See It in Action
A person who supports or explains an idea or belief
- •She is a leading exponent of environmental protection.
- •As an exponent of healthy living, he often gives talks about exercise.
- •The artist became an exponent of modern art styles.
A small number in math that shows how many times to multiply a number by itself
- •In 2³, the exponent is 3, so you multiply 2 by itself three times.
- •The exponent tells you the power of the base number.
- •Scientists use exponents to write very large or very small numbers easily.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "exponent" like "supporter" (A1 word), but someone who not only supports but also explains and shows others why the idea is good or important.
- ✓Picture a teacher or leader who speaks clearly about a belief or idea, helping others understand it better.
- ✓It's the feeling when you have a strong friend who always explains and defends your opinion.
- ✓Sounds like "ex-PO-nent" → imagine a person saying "explain" loudly to help others learn.
- ✓In math, imagine the number 3 with a small 2 above it: 3² means multiply 3 by 3.
- ✓NOT like "follower" (who just agrees), an exponent actively explains and promotes the idea.
- ✓NOT like "base" in math (the main number), the exponent tells how many times to use the base in multiplication.
Try Other Words
- •Advocate: a person who publicly supports a cause or idea (Use when focusing on active public support)
- •Representative: a person who stands for a group or idea (Use when emphasizing official or formal role)
- •Power: the number that shows repeated multiplication (Use when talking about the math meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ex-" (out, forth) + "ponent" (from Latin "ponere" meaning to put or place) → someone who puts forth ideas
- •Etymology: From Latin "exponere" meaning to explain or set forth
- •Historical development: Originally meant a person who explains or puts forward ideas; later used in math for the power number
- •Modern usage: Used in language to mean a strong supporter or teacher of ideas and in math as the small number showing power
Reflect & Connect
•How can being an exponent of an idea change the way others see that idea?
•In what ways does the mathematical exponent help us understand very big or very small numbers better?
Fill in the blanks
1.An exponent often ___ an idea clearly so others can understand and support it.
2.In math, the exponent tells ___ many times to multiply the base number by itself.
3.She became an exponent of renewable energy because she ___ its importance to the planet.
4.Unlike a follower, an exponent actively ___ and explains the idea to others.
5.When writing very large numbers, scientists use exponents to ___ the number easier.
6.The exponent in 5⁴ means you multiply 5 by itself ___ times.
7.As an exponent of healthy habits, he often ___ talks and workshops to teach others.