An exponent indicates how many times a base number is multiplied by itself. For example, 2³ = 2×2×2 = 8. Exponents follow specific laws that simplify calculations: when multiplying same bases, add exponents; when dividing, subtract exponents. Zero exponent always equals 1. Negative exponents represent reciprocals. Exponents are fundamental in algebra, science, and computer science (especially powers of 2 in computing).