# Mathematical definition of exponent [duplicate]

This question already has an answer here:

What does it mean by a^b in real number system? How is it defined mathematically?
It is clear in case of exponent being an integer.
i.e., a real number a is multiplied b times where b belongs to Z
If b is a rational..say b=p/q, then a^b can be interpreted as a^(1/q) multiplied p times.
But how is it defined when b is irrational?

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## marked as duplicate by T. Bongers, Daniel Fischer♦, apnorton, ncmathsadist, leoNov 30 '13 at 4:01

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

– Cameron Buie Nov 30 '13 at 0:42
@Cameron Buie: thanks for the link and the answer provided in the link. – vara Nov 30 '13 at 1:11
@Stefan: i tried searching before posting the question to no avail. Probably wrong choice of key words. – vara Nov 30 '13 at 1:13
@vara : no problem. Glad I could help. – Stefan Smith Nov 30 '13 at 2:08

## 1 Answer

You use the density of rationals in $\Bbb R$.Find a sequence $x_n\to \sqrt 2$ and $x_n<\sqrt 2$ for every $n$. Same for a sequence $y_n\to \sqrt 2$ with $y_n>\sqrt 2$. Then ...?

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thanks for the answer – vara Nov 30 '13 at 1:16
@vara it is a little trickier than what is written here .. research it some more – Betty Mock Nov 30 '13 at 3:15