An exponent tells you how many times to use the base in a multiplication.
[ 0.9^{18} \approx 0.1500946353 ]
0.918=0.9×0.9×0.9×... (18 times)0.9 to the 18th power equals 0.9 cross 0.9 cross 0.9 cross point point point (18 times) 0.9^18
This provides a useful metric for longevity. If you can maintain a $90%$ retention rate, it takes nearly 18 cycles to lose nearly everything ($85%$ loss). In the context of financial depreciation or battery health, retaining $90%$ capacity over 18 charge cycles or years is a hallmark of high quality. The calculation highlights that while decay is inevitable, a slow rate of decay ensures longevity. An exponent tells you how many times to