Powers of ten and exponents (5th grade math)

This is an introduction to powers of ten and to exponents, as studied in 5th grade math. A power of ten means that ten is multiplied by itself, a certain number of times. For example, ten to the 6th power means 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 × 10, or one million.

In this lesson, we also look at multiplying other numbers by powers of ten, such as 41 × 10⁴ or similar expressions. Lastly we consider some large numbers from astronomy, and how powers of ten (exponents) really help us write those numbers!

See also

The connection between multiplication and division, simple equations, bar models, terminology

Add and subtract large numbers

Math Mammoth Grade 5 curriculum

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