Any number raised to the power of 1 is simply the number itself. This is because exponentiation can be understood as repeated multiplication. For example, if we take the number 5 and raise it to the power of 1, we are essentially saying:
51 = 5
Here, 5 is multiplied by itself just once, which results in 5. This rule applies to any number, whether it’s positive, negative, or even a fraction. For instance:
- (-3)1 = -3
- (0.25)1 = 0.25
So, the general expression can be stated as x1 = x for any number x. This property is an important aspect of exponents and helps establish a foundational understanding for more complex mathematical concepts.