Write the power in words and as a repeated multiplication. Then evaluate the power.

$8^2$

In the expression$a^x$,a is the base and x is the exponent.

The power is the result of repeated multiplication of the same factor.

The expression$a^x$impliesthat a has been used as factor x times.

For example, write the product$5\cdot 5\cdot 5\cdot 5$in exponent form.

In this example, factor 5 is multiplied 4 times.

So, the repeated multiplication $5\cdot 5\cdot 5\cdot 5$can be expressed in exponent form as$5^4$.

Observe that in the given power, the base 8 has an exponent 2 over it.

So, in words it can be expressed as “Eight raised to the second power”.

Observe that in the given power, the base 8 has an exponent 2 over it.

So, the factor 8 is multiplied to itself two times. That is,

$8^2=8\cdot 8$

Thus, the power in repeated multiplication is$8^2=8\cdot 8$.

To evaluate the power, write it in the form of repeated multiplication and multiply the factors from left to right as shown below

$\begin{array}{c}{8}^2=8\cdot 8\\ =64\end{array}$

Thus, the value of the power is 64.