The expression that is being raised to a power when using exponential notation. In 5³, 5 is the base, which is the number that is repeatedly multiplied. 5³ = 5 • 5 • 5. In a^b, a is the base.

When a number is expressed in the form a^b, ^b is the exponent. The exponent indicates how many times the base is used as a factor. Power and exponent mean the same thing.

A shorter way to write repeated multiplication. For example, 2⁴ means 2 • 2 • 2 • 2. Two is used as a factor 4 times.

A number or mathematical symbol that is multiplied by another number or mathematical symbol to form a product. For example, in the equation 4 • 5 = 20, 4 and 5 are factors.