Start by clicking the flashing
yellow button to see an animation illustrating repeated multiplication.
Repeated multiplication is the key concept to remember when you study
powers and power laws.
Click the "Components" button.
Read the information in the blue box, then move the sliders as
directed. This should help you remember which number in a power
is the base and which is the exponent.
Click the flashing yellow button once to see how to read powers.
Click the flashing yellow button once more to reach the "Coefficients
of Powers". Read the information in the blue box, then move
the sliders as directed. This section may help you remember which
number in a power is the coefficient.
Click the "Forms" button.
Read the information in the blue box, then move the sliders as
directed. Look to see how the the exponential, expanded (repeated
multiplication) and standard forms relate to one another. The names
make sense
exponential form has an exponent
expanded form shows repeated multiplication
standard name is the "most common" way to write
numbers.
Click the "Power Practice" button.
Read the directions. Once a "New
Problem" is generated, selecting the "Check/Explain"
button provides feedback and sample keystokes to calculate powers
on a scientific calculator. If you are learning the procedure, enter
the keystrokes given into the calculator provided. After a few examples
you will like understand how to calculator powers on a scientific
calculator.