Exponents+and+Powers

Exponents and Powers ﻿Algebra I



Understanding the meaning of exponents and powers can be difficult for many students. Students must first understand how to read and write powers. Without this understanding, students cannot continue to the next step of evaluating powers. Evaluating powers is used with there is a variable in an expression, but the student is told the value of the variable. For example, the student must evaluate the expression //x//^6 when x = 3. The answer is 729. Once students have mastered this concept, they can move to more difficult expressions that include more than one variable. Students also need to see how they can use knowledge of exponents and powers in their lives. Many times students will ask the question, "Why do I have to learn this?" I believe it is important for all educators to know the answer to this question when planning their lessons and student objectives. In the case of exponents and powers, students can use the concept to find area and volume. Students many need to find the area of their bedroom or the volume of an aquarium if he or she wants a fish. Showing students how to use mathematical concepts allows the student to become an active part of the learning process.