* Exponents as Fundamental
Concepts for Basic Mathematics *
Technolody and Mathematics for Teachers (TMT)
Exponents
are superscripted (small) numbers at the top right corner of a normal number.
They are a special notation
related to repeated multiplication of a base or normal number.
Referred to in words as: (
seven raised to the second power equals forty-nine ). 72 = 49
* Seven being the Base Number * Two being the
Exponent or Power * Forty-nine
the result.
The concept of exponents
is not usually considered Basic or Fundamental Mathematics,
however, it is becoming
included more times than not in Elementary Mathematics.
The writer considers eight categories of concepts to be essential
to Mathematics:
Whole, Decimal, Fractions, Mixed, Exponents, Square Roots, Proportions, Percents.
There is growing acceptance for
Exponents and Square Roots to be included in the Basic
and Fundamental Concepts of
Elementary Mathematics. * The World of Math Online *
The writer considers the topics
of Exponents and Square Roots as fundamental if for no
reason then they provided excitement to the traditional mundane Mathematics topics.
Exponents: N0 N1 N2 N3 N4 etc…
Examples: 50 = 1 51 = 5 52
= 25 53 = 125 etc…
Not only should Exponents be understood but this concept can be raised a level by using
them in simple addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division problems.
23 + 42 = ____ 8 + 16 = 24
71 – 30 = ____ 7 – 1 = 6
41 * 32 = ____ 4 * 9 = 36
62 / 91 = ____ 36
/ 9 = 4
By including Exponents at a
very simple level with only understanding and with simple
binary problems, it allows time
for students to assimilate this concept before Algebra.
As well as, previously
mentioned they add excitement and challenges to Basic Mathematics.