Compare Powers: Which is Larger, 7² or 7³?

Exponent Comparison with Same Base

Which is larger?

72 ——73 7^2\text{ }_{——}7^3

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine which is bigger?
00:03 The bases are equal, therefore the size depends on the exponent
00:07 The larger exponent gives the larger value
00:13 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Which is larger?

72 ——73 7^2\text{ }_{——}7^3

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem by calculating each value:

Step 1: Calculate 72 7^2 .
72=7×7=49 7^2 = 7 \times 7 = 49 .

Step 2: Calculate 73 7^3 .
73=7×7×7=343 7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 = 343 .

Step 3: Compare 49 49 and 343 343 .
We can clearly see that 49 49 is less than 343 343 .

Therefore, we have 72<73 7^2 < 7^3 .

The correct comparison sign is < < .

Thus, choice 1 is correct: < < .

3

Final Answer

< <

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Base Rule: When bases are equal, larger exponent means larger value
  • Calculation: 72=49 7^2 = 49 and 73=343 7^3 = 343
  • Check: Compare computed values: 49 < 343, so 72<73 7^2 < 7^3

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming higher exponents always mean smaller values
    Don't think that 73 7^3 is smaller just because 3 > 2 = wrong comparison! This confuses the exponent size with the result size. Always calculate the actual values: 72=49 7^2 = 49 and 73=343 7^3 = 343 to compare correctly.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which of the following is equivalent to the expression below?

\( \)\( 10,000^1 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why is 73 7^3 bigger than 72 7^2 ?

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Because exponents tell you how many times to multiply! 72=7×7=49 7^2 = 7 \times 7 = 49 , but 73=7×7×7=343 7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 = 343 . The extra multiplication makes it much larger.

Is this rule true for any base greater than 1?

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Yes! When the base is greater than 1, a larger exponent always gives a larger result. For example, 52=25<53=125 5^2 = 25 < 5^3 = 125 .

What if the base was between 0 and 1?

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Great question! If the base is between 0 and 1 (like 0.5), then larger exponents give smaller results. For instance, 0.52=0.25>0.53=0.125 0.5^2 = 0.25 > 0.5^3 = 0.125 .

Do I always need to calculate the exact values?

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Not always! Once you understand the pattern, you can use the rule: same base > 1, larger exponent = larger value. But calculating helps you verify and build confidence!

What's the fastest way to calculate 73 7^3 ?

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Start with 72=49 7^2 = 49 , then multiply by 7 one more time: 49×7=343 49 \times 7 = 343 . This saves time and uses what you already calculated!

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