Question

write an expression for the operation described below. raise a to the 2nd power

Explanation:

Step1: Define exponentiation operation

Raising a number to the 2nd power means multiplying the number by itself, which is denoted with an exponent of 2.

Step2: Apply to variable $a$

The variable is $a$, so we write it with exponent 2.
<Expression> $a^2$ </Expression>

Answer:

$a^2$