exponentiation makes no sense

Answer 1

2**5 = 2*2*2*2*2 = 32
3**4 = 3*3*3*3 = 81
9**(1/2) = 3 (since 3**2 = 9)

Clear enough?

Answer 2

* is for multiplication.
2*3 = 6
3*4 = 12

Answer 3

what does a strip do though

Answer 4

Astrix not a strip