An exponent is a number that tells how many times the base number is used as a factor. For example, 3² indicates that the base number 3 is used as a factor 2 times. To determine the value of 3², multiply 3*3 which would give the result 9.

Squares indicate that the exponent has a value of two. The term square comes from the geometrical shape that has the same width and length. To find the area of a square you would multiply the width times the length.

Exponents are written as a superscript number (e.g. 3²) or preceded by the caret (^) symbol (e.g. 3^2).

Some facts about exponents:

• Zero squared is zero (e.g. 0² = 0)
• One squared is one (e.g. 1² = 1)