an exponent is the number of how many times the base should be multiplied. 

For example, lets say the base is 5 and the exponent is 2. the exponent is 2, we will multiply the base two times, so it would be 5 multiplied by 5. If the exponent was 4 and the base was 5, it would equal 5x5x5x5. 

The exponent (52 ) in word form would be 5 to the power of 2, or 5 to the second power.

Exponents are really just a simpler way of writing out and equation!

For example, its a lot easier to write 54 than writing 5x5x5x5.