GED Math Practice Test

Which term refers to a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself?

1. Exponent

2. Median

3. Perimeter

4. Square root

The correct answer is: Exponent

The correct answer is the term that represents a mathematical notation indicating how many times a quantity is multiplied by itself. In mathematics, an exponent is used in expressions like \( a^n \), where \( a \) is the base and \( n \) is the exponent. This notation signifies that the base \( a \) is multiplied by itself \( n \) times. For example, \( 3^2 \) means \( 3 \times 3 \), which equals 9. The other terms listed do not describe this concept. The median refers to the middle value of a data set when arranged in order, the perimeter pertains to the total length around a two-dimensional shape, and the square root is the value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. Thus, exponent is the term that specifically indicates repeated multiplication of a quantity by itself.