What Does “16 Squared” Mean?
In math algebra, the phrase 16 squared means 16 raised to the power of 2. In exponent notation, this is written as \(16^2\). Squaring a number means multiplying the number by itself exactly once.
Definition: For any number \(a\), “\(a\) squared” means \(a^2 = a \cdot a\).
Step 1: Rewrite in exponent form
“16 squared” becomes:
\[ 16^2 \]
Step 2: Expand the power as repeated multiplication
A power of 2 means two factors of 16:
\[ 16^2 = 16 \cdot 16 \]
Step 3: Multiply
Compute the product:
\[ 16 \cdot 16 = 256 \]
Result: \(16^2 = 256\).
Why the result is reasonable
Since \(16 = 4 \cdot 4\), squaring 16 is equivalent to:
\[ 16^2 = (4 \cdot 4)^2 = 4^4 = 256 \]
This confirms the value and connects squaring to other exponent rules commonly used in algebra.
Visualization: Squaring as area (16 by 16 grid)
Final answer
\[ 16^2 = 16 \cdot 16 = 256 \]