Exponents and roots practice: 6 questions with answers
Six exponent and root practice questions, from easy to hard, with worked explanations. Pick an answer to check it instantly.
These questions come from our SHSAT, TACHS and SSAT practice apps. For parents
An exponent says how many times to multiply a number by itself: 2⁴ = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16. A square root asks the reverse question: √49 = 7, because 7 × 7 = 49.
The core rules
Rule
Example
Multiply same bases: add exponents
3² × 3³ = 3⁵ = 243
Divide same bases: subtract exponents
5⁶ ÷ 5⁴ = 5² = 25
Power of a power: multiply exponents
(2³)² = 2⁶ = 64
Anything (except 0) to the power 0 is 1
7⁰ = 1
A negative exponent means “one over”
2⁻³ = 1/8
To estimate a square root that isn’t a whole number, find the perfect squares around it. √50 is a little more than 7, because 7² = 49 and 8² = 64.
The questions start easy and get harder. Try each one before you look at the explanation.
Practice questions
Each question and explanation was reviewed by a person. Pick an answer to see if you're right.