Definition

Noun: 1. The result of multiplying a number by itself: The "second power" of a number is the number raised to the exponent 2. It is also commonly called the "square" of the number.

Usage

The term "second power" is used in mathematics to specify exponentiation where the exponent is 2. It is a more formal or explicit way of saying "square." * In the equation ( x^2 = 9 ), the term ( x^2 ) means "x to the second power." * The area of a circle is proportional to the second power of its radius.

Advanced Usage

• Inverse Square Law: A scientific principle where a physical quantity is inversely proportional to the second power of the distance from a source.
  • The intensity of light follows an inverse square law; it diminishes with the second power of the distance.

Variants and Related Words

• Square (n.): The most common synonym for "second power."
  • The square of 5 is 25.
• Exponentiation (n.): The general mathematical operation of raising a base to a power.
• Quadratic (adj.): Involving the second power of a variable.
  • A quadratic equation contains a term with a variable raised to the second power.

Synonyms

• Square

Related Phrases

• Raised to the second power: The full descriptive phrase for the operation.
  • The variable 't' raised to the second power is written as ( t^2 ).

Noun

1. the product of two equal terms
   • nine is the second power of three
   • gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance