power

In mathematics, that which is represented by an exponent or index, denoted by a superior numeral. A number or symbol raised to the power of 2 - that is, multiplied by itself - is said to be squared (for example, 3², x²), and when raised to the power of 3, it is said to be cubed (for example, 2³, y³). Any number to the power zero always equals 1.

Powers can be negative. Negative powers produce fractions, with the numerator as one, as a number is divided by itself, rather than being multiplied by itself, so for example 2⁻¹ = 1/2 and 3⁻³ = 1/27.