the power function

[logicode]

So you have a loop that will iterate exponent number of times, what action do you want to do one time for each iteration to get the final number?

well you want the base * base so would sum = base * base work I dont think so because then I think the sum with then need to be multiplyed by the base? Am I making things more complex?

[sicarie]

well you want the base * base so would sum = base * base work I dont think so because then I think the sum with then need to be multiplyed by the base? Am I making things more complex?

You are, but you're close. You're right about the base*base. Now think about the fact that you can multiply x^2 by x^3 and get x^5.

Another way of looking at it, x*x = x^2, right? Now let's call that product. What's product * x?

::Edit - I guess product would be more apt than sum, so I updated it.

[logicode]

You are, but you're close. You're right about the base*base. Now think about the fact that you can multiply x^2 by x^3 and get x^5.

Another way of looking at it, x*x = x^2, right? Now let's call that sum. What's sum * x?

x^3 because x^2 * x = x^3

[Ganon11]

You're so close. You're right in thinking that base = base * base; will not work, because with x = 5, your first iteration results in 25, then 625, then...etc.

If you were adding numbers together, you'd use a sum variable. Now, since we are adding, sum should start at 0, because 0 + x = x (This is the Addition Identity Rule). But you are multiplying. If you started sum as 0, then your result would be 0, because 0 * x = 0. What you need is a number n such that n * x = x. Can you think of the number that will fulfill this requirement? This is what your sum variable will start out as - then do sum = sum * base.

[logicode]

You're so close. You're right in thinking that base = base * base; will not work, because with x = 5, your first iteration results in 25, then 625, then...etc.

If you were adding numbers together, you'd use a sum variable. Now, since we are adding, sum should start at 0, because 0 + x = x (This is the Addition Identity Rule). But you are multiplying. If you started sum as 0, then your result would be 0, because 0 * x = 0. What you need is a number n such that n * x = x. Can you think of the number that will fulfill this requirement? This is what your sum variable will start out as - then do sum = sum * base.

well in your example n should start out with sum =1 but doesnt the sum = 1 restart the sum = sum * base when it loops?

[sicarie]

The answer is what you start out with. What are you passed initially?

[logicode]

The answer is what you start out with. What are you passed initially?

I passed in base first and being base

[Ganon11]

well in your example n should start out with sum =1 but doesnt the sum = 1 restart the sum = sum * base when it loops?

OK, think through this example.

I've called the function, passing 5 and 3 (i.e. I want to find 5^3).

Now, sum starts as 1 before the loop.

First execution of the loop: sum = sum * base;
sum = 1 * 5;
sum = 5;

Second execution of the loop: sum = sum * base;
sum = 5 * 5;
sum = 25;

etc...

So, no, using sum = 1 will not reset the value, but setting sum = 0 will.

[sicarie]

I passed in base first and being base

So you start out with base. Can you represent that as an exponent?

[logicode]

So you start out with base. Can you represent that as an exponent?

I dont quite get what you are trying to ask me

[sicarie]

I dont quite get what you are trying to ask me

Look at what Ganon posted, and think about it - you're right there.

[logicode]

OK, think through this example.

I've called the function, passing 5 and 3 (i.e. I want to find 5^3).

Now, sum starts as 1 before the loop.

First execution of the loop: sum = sum * base;
sum = 1 * 5;
sum = 5;

Second execution of the loop: sum = sum * base;
sum = 5 * 5;
sum = 25;

etc...

So, no, using sum = 1 will not reset the value, but setting sum = 0 will.

ok I am seeing the working but I still dont get how you will declare the sum = 1
And in the loop the sum will have a new value but when the loop, loops, I beleive the sum will become 1 again.

[Ganon11]

It would if you declare sum within the loop. But you should declare it right before the loop enters.

[logicode]

hmmm like

for( i=0; i<exponent; i++; sum=1 )
{
sum= base* sum
}

then base which is the base will be multiplyed by the sum which os one but when the loop comes back around wont the sum be 1 again? This doesnt make sense to me.

[Ganon11]

No, since you are assigning the new value (sum * base) to sum, it will change values every time within the loop. Try it for yourself to see that it changes.