Index Notation

Index notation is a way of writting powers.

Note: the plural of index is indices

Using index notation, \[ \color{#009ce4}{ \underbrace{ \color{#009828}{a \times a \times a \times \dotsb \times a} }_{\text{\(m\) times}} } = \color{#009828}{a}^{\color{#009ce4}m} \,, \] where \(\color{#009828}a\) is the base, and \(\color{#009ce4}m\) is the index (also known as the exponent and the power).

We say “\(a\) to the power \(m\)”, or even just “\(a\) to the \(m\)” since it’s easier to say out loud.