a. Consider the mathematical statement 5^7 = 78125.
This represents the fact that _7_ is the exponent on a base of _5_ needed to produce a result of _78125_.
b. Consider the mathematical statement 3^5.1 ~ 271.22.
This represents the fact that _5.1_ is the exponent on a base of _3_ needed to produce a result of approximately _271.22_.