Exponents in the Real World?

Question

I need a word problem that I can use with eight graders that shows the use of multiplying exponents in the real world. Any help will do. Thanks

Answer 1

You have packing boxes that are 2 feet on a side. You will be stacking them two high, two wide, two deep. How many total cubic feet can you put in the boxes?

2^3 * 2^3 = 2^6 = 64 cu. ft.

Answer 2

Something along the lines of this: "A line is drawn on a table measuring 5 cm. A square placemat is placed tandem to the line so that the one side matches perfectly to it. What is the area of the placemat? (Remember to label your answer with cm^2). A cake, in a perfect-cube box is then placed upon the placemat so that the bottom face lines up perfectly to the dimensions of the placemat. What is the volume of the cake box? (Remember to label your answer with cm^3)."

This may be too simple for eighth graders, but you can use it as a model.

Answer 3

Try showing them this video. It's called "Powers of Ten." I've seen it in a few of my classes. It's interesting and it gives people a real life idea of how exponents apply to the universe.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8095482682672703968&q=powers+of+ten+video

Answer 4

uhhh....maybe use candy as the whole number and break off peices as the exponents (thats not real life though) sorry cant help

Answer 5

Are you talking about the show?

Answer 6

Two words: compound interest.

Answer 7

cell growth, cells grow in exponential patterns