Math Is Fun Forum

Shurrik

Member

Registered: 2007-10-03

Posts: 1

Difference between index and exponent?

Hello!

There is one question in my homework that I get a bit confused by. The question is:

"How is an index (indices) different from an exponent?"

I thought that they were the same thing.

Also while I'm on it, Is there anyone who can help me with this question since I don't quite understand it:

"Explain the possible use of symbolism by choosing to use a superscript postfix operand, the exponent, to denote an operator"

I really appriciate any help some anybody!

JaneFairfax

Member

Registered: 2007-02-23

Posts: 6,868

Re: Difference between index and exponent?

Hey, look what I found:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=32714

I was Googling for an answer when the first link I got took me right back to this forum.

I’m sorry I don’t know anything about your second question, so I can’t help you with that.

Last edited by JaneFairfax (2007-10-04 00:25:32)

icy_A

Member

Registered: 2007-10-04

Posts: 5

Re: Difference between index and exponent?

Well...an Index(indices) Are Subscripts To A Symbol As A Power Is A Number Tells How Many Times The Base Number Is Multiplied.

Shurrik

Member

Registered: 2007-10-03

Posts: 1

Re: Difference between index and exponent?

Thanks for your replies

Jai Ganesh

Administrator

Registered: 2005-06-28

Posts: 48,398

Re: Difference between index and exponent?

I think both are one and the same. The laws of exponents are also referred to as the laws of indices.

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It appears to me that if one wants to make progress in mathematics, one should study the masters and not the pupils. - Niels Henrik Abel.

Nothing is better than reading and gaining more and more knowledge - Stephen William Hawking.

MathsIsFun

Administrator

Registered: 2005-01-21

Posts: 7,713

Re: Difference between index and exponent?

That is my belief too.

Unless you are using "index" in some other area, for example "the librarian looked up the index".

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"The physicists defer only to mathematicians, and the mathematicians defer only to God ..."  - Leon M. Lederman