Algebra
Right associative powers
Powers bind to the right, so the inner exponent is resolved first. This is the opposite of the intuition most people carry over from addition and multiplication.
The Formula
a ^ b ^ c = a ^ (b ^ c)
Powers bind to the right, so the inner exponent is resolved first. This is the opposite of the intuition most people carry over from addition and multiplication.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Base | value | The value being raised to a power. |
| b | Inner exponent | value | Resolved before it is applied to the base. |
| c | Outer exponent | value | Applied to the whole inner power. |
What Each Symbol Means
avalue
Base
The value being raised to a power.
bvalue
Inner exponent
Resolved before it is applied to the base.
cvalue
Outer exponent
Applied to the whole inner power.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to use a scientific calculator page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Use A Scientific Calculator, filed under Math. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.