pow() function in PHP

The pow() function in PHP calculates the power of a number by raising the base to the specified exponent. It handles positive, negative, and floating-point values.

Syntax

pow(base, exponent)

Parameters

• base − The base number (can be integer or float)

• exponent − The exponent to raise the base to (can be integer or float)

Return Value

Returns the result of base raised to the power of exponent. Returns NAN for invalid operations like negative base with fractional exponent.

Example 1: Basic Power Calculation

Calculate 3 raised to the power of 5 −

<?php
    echo pow(3, 5);
?>

243

Example 2: Negative Base and Exponent

Using negative values for base and exponent −

<?php
    echo pow(-4, 6) . "<br>";
    echo pow(-3, -9);
?>

4096
-5.0805263425291E-5

Example 3: Invalid Operation

When a negative base is raised to a fractional exponent, it returns NAN (Not a Number) −

<?php
    echo pow(-4, -5.3);
?>

NAN

Conclusion

The pow() function is useful for mathematical calculations involving exponents. Remember that negative bases with fractional exponents result in NAN values.