GED Math Practice Test

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What is a base number in mathematical terms?

A number that is multiplied by an exponent
A number that has an exponent
A number that is added to another number
A number between 0 and 1

The correct answer is: A number that has an exponent

In mathematical terms, a base number refers to the number that is raised to a power, which is represented by an exponent. When you see an expression like $ a^n $, $ a $ is the base, and $ n $ is the exponent. The base is crucial because it indicates the number that will be multiplied by itself a certain number of times dictated by the exponent. The other options describe concepts that do not accurately reflect the definition of a base number. For instance, while a number can be multiplied by an exponent, that doesn't necessarily define what a base is. A base does not necessarily refer to a number that is exclusively added to another number, nor is there an inherent requirement for a base number to be within a certain range like between 0 and 1. Thus, the focus on the relationship between a base and an exponent is what makes that choice correct.