Welcome! I’m excited to help you learn about exponents as easily as possible. There’s a lot to learn, so I’ve created several pages with step-by-step examples and explanations.
This page is a “table of contents” page so you can find the specific topic you’re looking for. I hope it’s helpful for you and that these pages make it easy to learn about exponents. Good luck!
What is an exponent?

The exponent is the small number in the top right hand corner.
The base is the larger number at the bottom of the exponent.
The combination of an exponent and a base is called a power.
If this is your first time learning about exponents, read this page about how to simplify positive exponents.
Types of Exponents
Positive exponents are the most common type of exponent and they’re the easiest to simplify. Exponents of 0 and 1 are also super easy.
Negative and fractional (or rational) exponents are a little more challenging but once you learn the rules, they’re not too bad.
Click on the buttons below to see how to work with each type of exponent…
Types of Bases
Most of the time, the base of the power will be a positive number or a variable. But sometimes, you may have a base that’s a little more difficult to simplify…like a negative number, a fraction, a complex number, or a polynomial.
Click on the buttons below to see how to work with each type of base…
Exponent Rules
The exponent rules can be used to simplify exponential expressions. Click on the buttons below to see examples of how each rule works…
Exponential Functions & Equations
Exponents are a pre-requisite for high school math classes. In high school, you may be asked to solve an exponential equation.
You could also be asked to write an exponential function (or graph it).
Or you may work with polynomials and rational functions, which use exponents on a regular basis.
Click on the buttons below to learn more about these related topics…