Why do whole numbers raised to an exponent get greater while fractions raised to an exponent get smaller

Because in fractions you are taking away. For example: if you multiply 1/2 times 1/2, you are taking 1/2 away from that original half, but with whole nombers you are increasing the value. For exapmle: if you multiply 2 times 2, it will give you more.

Is there a picture because i cannot answer it sorry