Reading Powers Aloud
Reading powers aloud is a Grade 6 math language skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 1: Numerical Expressions and Factors. Students learn the correct mathematical vocabulary for reading exponential notation: 3^2 is read "3 to the second power" or "3 squared," 4^3 is "4 to the third power" or "4 cubed," and higher powers like 2^5 are read "2 to the fifth power."
Key Concepts
Powers have special names when read aloud: $a^2$ is read as "$a$ squared" $a^3$ is read as "$a$ cubed" $a^n$ (for $n \geq 4$) is read as "$a$ to the $n$th power".
Common Questions
How do you read powers and exponents aloud?
Any base raised to an exponent n is read "[base] to the [nth] power." Special cases: exponent 2 can be called "squared" (5^2 = five squared) and exponent 3 can be called "cubed" (4^3 = four cubed). For other exponents, say the ordinal: 2^5 = two to the fifth power.
What is the difference between "squared" and "to the second power"?
They mean exactly the same thing. Both describe a base raised to the exponent 2. "Squared" is the informal name, while "to the second power" is the general form.
Why is it important to read math correctly?
Reading math expressions correctly builds communication skills and helps students understand written and spoken mathematical language. It also prevents confusion between similar expressions like 2^3 and 3^2.
Where is reading powers taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Reading powers aloud is covered in Chapter 1: Numerical Expressions and Factors of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.