To understand what 10 to the 2nd power means, we first need to grasp the concept of exponents. The expression 102 is mathematically represented as:
- 10 is the base number.
- 2 is the exponent.
The exponent indicates how many times to multiply the base number by itself. Therefore, 102 = 10 imes 10.
When you perform the multiplication:
10 imes 10 = 100
So, 10 to the 2nd power equals 100.
This simple yet powerful concept is the foundation for more complex mathematical operations and is widely used across various fields, including science, engineering, and finance. Understanding exponents can greatly enhance your mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities!