Type the polynomial within a set of parentheses. For example, you might have (x^3 + 2x^2 - x + y - 3y^2 + 2y^3 - a + b). The letters in a polynomial are known as "variables," and they represent numerical values. A number to the left of a variable is called a "co-efficient." Each number or variable within a polynomial is known as a "term." The terms of a polynomial are separated by plus (+) or minus (-) signs. If you have a polynomial within a set of parentheses, then the entire polynomial is counted as a collective unit.
Type a caret symbol (^) after the right parenthetical mark: (x^3 + 2x^2 - x + y - 3y^2 + 2y^3 - a + b)^. The caret symbol is an indicator that the following number will be an exponent.
Type a 6 after the caret: (x^3 + 2x^2 - x + y - 3y^2 + 2y^3 - a + b)^6. Raising a polynomial that has eight terms to the sixth power means that you will multiply this entire polynomial times itself six times.
Type the polynomial within a set of parentheses. As stated before, this particular polynomial should have eight terms. The parentheses groups the terms as a common unit.
Type a 6 after the right parenthetical mark. This number will become the exponent.
Click and drag across the 6 by using your mouse to highlight and drag it.
Click on the "Font" menu and click on "Superscript." Font menus and superscript options are available in most word-processing software programs. Changing a number to superscript means that it is to be interpreted as an exponent. This means that you will be multiplying the polynomial times itself six times.