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An exponent is the small raised number. It tells you how many times to multiply the base by itself, so means .
Most SAT questions on this topic come down to four rules. When you multiply powers with the same base, add the exponents. When you divide them, subtract the exponents. When a power is raised to another power, multiply the exponents. And anything raised to the zero power equals .
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A square root asks which number times itself gives you the number under the symbol, so . A negative exponent does not make an answer negative — it means one over that power, so . A fraction exponent is a root: .
Know the rules and the small square roots by sight, and these questions become quick.