Power Calculation Formula:
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Power calculation involves raising a base number (x) to the power of an exponent (a), represented mathematically as y = x^a. This fundamental mathematical operation has applications across science, engineering, and finance.
The calculator uses the power formula:
Where:
Explanation: The base (x) is multiplied by itself 'a' times. For non-integer exponents, the calculation uses logarithmic transformation.
Details: Power calculations are essential in compound interest computations, exponential growth models, scientific notation, and many physics equations.
Tips: Enter any real number for the base and exponent. The calculator handles both positive and negative values, as well as fractional exponents.
Q1: What happens when the exponent is zero?
A: Any non-zero number raised to the power of zero equals 1 (x^0 = 1).
Q2: How are negative exponents handled?
A: A negative exponent means taking the reciprocal of the positive power (x^-a = 1/(x^a)).
Q3: What about fractional exponents?
A: Fractional exponents represent roots (x^(1/a) is the a-th root of x).
Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: The calculator cannot handle 0^0 (undefined) or negative bases with fractional exponents that have even denominators.
Q5: What's the precision of the calculator?
A: Results are accurate to 4 decimal places, though internal calculations use higher precision.