The expression "10^2" represents the mathematical operation of exponentiation, where the base number, 10, is multiplied by itself 2 times. In this case, it means 10 × 10, which equals 100. This notation is commonly used in mathematics to simplify the representation of large numbers and to express powers. Exponentiation is a fundamental concept in mathematics, often used in various fields such as science, engineering, and finance. Understanding powers like "10^2" helps in grasping more complex mathematical ideas, including square numbers and scientific notation, which are essential for calculations involving large quantities.