How to Show Exponents in Word

Advanced-level math students often choose to write up their assignments and projects on the computer. Doing so can make a document containing lengthy mathematical formulas and expressions, including those containing exponents, neater and more readable. An exponent indicates how many times a number is multiplied by itself. You may be confused as to how to type such expressions in your word-processing program. There are two ways of showing exponents in Microsoft Word.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Microsoft Word software

Instructions

Using Superscript

1. Type the number that constitutes the base of the expression.

2. Type the exponent. Do not include a space between the base and the exponent.

3. Highlight the exponent.

4. Access the "Font" menu. In some versions of Word, "Font" is a submenu of "Format." In other versions, "Font" is located within the "Home" tab, which is the first tab on the ribbon. A window titled "Font" will appear.

5. Check the "Superscript" option from the "Effects" category. Press "OK" to return to the document. The exponent should appear as a small number above the base.

6. Press space to continue typing. Doing so will automatically remove the Superscript effect, allowing you to type standard-sized characters.

Using Circumflex Symbol

1. Type the base of the expression.

2. Insert the "^" symbol by pressing "Shift" and "6" simultaneously.

3. Type the exponent. For example, six to the fourth power shown in this format would be "6^4".

Tips & Warnings

• If the base of the expression is a negative number, place parentheses around the base and the exponent outside the parentheses---for example, (-5)^6.

• You can use a keyboard shortcut to superscript a number. Highlight the number and press down the "Ctrl," "Shift" and "=" keys simultaneously.

References

• West Texas A&M University: Integer Exponents
• University of Wisconsin: Superscript and Subscript
• Microsoft: Make Text Superscript or Subscript