Powers and exponents

Target: Evaluate a power by writing repeated factors.

Language target: Say “used as a factor” a given number of times.

Likely miss: Students multiply the base by the exponent.

Ask: How many factors did you write?

If you see it: Ask how many times the base is a factor. Write the product out before using the exponent button.

Evidence to listen for: The student expands the power and rejects the product of base and exponent.

Next: Return to writing the factors if the product appears.

Observable student moves: names both quantities, uses the represented relationship, and revises after feedback. This companion is not a score.