What is 9 to the power of 4?
In mathematics, "9 to the power of 4" means multiplying 9 by itself four times. This can be written as 9⁴.
Understanding Exponents
Exponents are a way of representing repeated multiplication. The base number (in this case, 9) is multiplied by itself the number of times indicated by the exponent (in this case, 4).
Calculating 9 to the Power of 4
To calculate 9⁴, we can simply multiply:
9 * 9 * 9 * 9 = 6561
Therefore, 9 to the power of 4 is 6561.
Using a Calculator
Most calculators have an exponent function (usually denoted by a "^" or "xʸ" button). To calculate 9⁴ on a calculator, you would typically enter:
- 9
- ^ or xʸ
- 4
- =
The calculator will then display the result, 6561.
Real-World Applications
Exponents are used in many real-world applications, including:
- Compound Interest: Calculating the growth of investments over time.
- Scientific Notation: Representing very large or very small numbers in a compact form.
- Computer Science: Calculating the number of possible combinations for passwords or encryption keys.
Conclusion
9 to the power of 4 is equal to 6561. This is calculated by multiplying 9 by itself four times. Exponents are a fundamental concept in mathematics with numerous applications in various fields.