Calculate 7³: Finding the Cube of Seven

The small 3 is called an exponent. It tells you how many times to use 7 as a factor in multiplication. So $7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7$.

That would give you 21, which is completely different! The exponent isn't telling you to multiply by 3. It's telling you to use 7 as a factor 3 times in a multiplication problem.

$7^3 = 343$ is a perfect cube - a special number worth memorizing! You can remember it by noticing the pattern: 3-4-3, which matches the exponent 3.

You probably calculated $7^4$ instead! That's $7 \times 7 \times 7 \times 7 = 2401$. Always count your multiplication steps carefully to match the exponent.

For small exponents like 3, step-by-step is actually fastest and most reliable. As you practice, you'll memorize common cubes like $2^3 = 8$, $3^3 = 27$, and $7^3 = 343$.