Definition
The result obtained when a number is multiplied by itself a specified number of times. The power is written as a small raised number (the exponent) next to the base number, indicating how many times the base is used as a factor. For example, 4³ (read as 'four to the third power' or 'four cubed') means 4 × 4 × 4 = 64.
Plain English
How many times you multiply a number by itself. 'Five to the second power' means 5 × 5 = 25. 'Two to the fourth power' means 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation math, formulas, aircraft performance discussions, and maintenance calculations where squared or cubed values appear.
Derivation
From the Latin potentia, meaning 'ability' or 'capacity.' In mathematics, the 'power' of a number describes the capacity of that number when repeatedly multiplied by itself.
Why Pilots Care
Many performance and aerodynamic relationships involve powers — for example, lift and drag both vary with the square of airspeed. Understanding what a power means lets a pilot read formulas and charts without getting stuck on the notation.
Intuition Check
Power does not mean engine power here. It means a mathematical use of a number, such as squared or cubed.
Example Sentence 1
To find the area of a square wing section, you raise the side length to the second power.
Example Sentence 2
Performance formulas sometimes require finding the power of a number to account for repeated multiplication.