What does the exponent in an expression indicate?

The exponent in an expression tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself. For instance, if you have \(3^4\), it means you multiply 3 by itself 4 times: \(3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3\), which equals 81. It's like a shorthand way of expressing repeated multiplication—quite handy for managing large numbers! Exponents also come into play in the real world, especially in fields like science and finance. When calculating interest, for instance, compounds are often expressed using exponents to show how investment grows over time. Imagine your initial amount doubling every year; using exponents allows for quick calculations about how much you'll have in the future without multiplying step by step.