An exponent is a mathematical notation and shorthand instructing the mathematician to multiply the base number by the same number again, as many times as instructed by the exponent.
Exponents are formed like this:
Base Number: 34 - Exponent or Power
Following the definition of the exponent, you must multiply the base number by the same number again as many times as instructed by the exponent:
So 34 is telling you that you need to multiply 3 - 4 times.
3 x 3 x 3 x 3
3 x 3 = 9 x 3 = 27 x 3 = 81
There we'd say that:
34 = 81
It takes up more room on a piece of paper and is generally frowned upon in mathematics (minus beginning mathematics of course).