Final answer:
An exponent, or a power, is mathematical shorthand for repeated multiplications. For example, the exponent "2" means to multiply the base for that exponent by itself. Any number raised to the power of 2 is being squared. Any number raised to the power of 3 is being cubed.
Step-by-step explanation:
An exponent, or a power, is mathematical shorthand for repeated multiplications. For example, the exponent "2" means to multiply the base for that exponent by itself (in the example here, the base is "5"). 52 = 5 x 5 = 25
The exponent is "2" and the base is the number "5." This expression (multiplying a number by itself) is also called a square. Any number raised to the power of 2 is being squared. Any number raised to the power of 3 is being cubed.