A whole number multiplied by itself gives you a square number.
They’re called square numbers because they can be made into a square shape.
But there is no need to flap, there is a quick way to write this.
A number squared is also known as to the power of two and is shown by the little two up there.
Let’s take this further and multiply a number by itself three times, or, to the power of three.
Now, four multiplied by four, multiplied by four is called a cubed number.
We can show that a number is cubed with that little three at the top right.
So, by cracking out a few squared or cubed numbers you can whisk up an ‘eggceptionally’ large number in no time.

Square numbers
A square number is a number multiplied by itself. This can also be called 'a number squared'. The symbol for squared is ².
2² = 2 x 2 = 4
3² = 3 x 3 = 9
4² = 4 x 4 = 16
5² = 5 x 5 = 25
The square numbers up to 100 are: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100


Cube numbers
A cube number is a number multiplied by itself 3 times. This can also be called 'a number cubed'.The symbol for cubed is ³.
2³ = 2 × 2 × 2 = 8
3³ = 3 × 3 × 3 = 27
4³ = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64
5³ = 5 × 5 × 5 =125
The cube numbers up to 100 are: 1, 8, 27, 64

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