When we talk about 4 to the second power, we are referring to the mathematical expression 42. This means that we multiply the number 4 by itself.
To break it down:
- 42 = 4 x 4
Now, let’s calculate:
- 4 x 4 = 16
So, 4 to the second power equals 16. This is a basic example of an exponent, where the base (4) is raised to the power of 2. In general, when you raise a number to the second power, it’s simply that number multiplied by itself, resulting in a squared value.
Exponents are a foundational concept in mathematics, and understanding them can help in various areas, including algebra, geometry, and even in science when dealing with formulas and calculations. So, keep the concept of raising to a power in mind as it opens the door to more complex mathematical operations!