The operation "raise $u$ to the 3rd power" can be expressed mathematically as:

$u^3$

This means $u$ is multiplied by itself three times: $u \times u \times u$.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or examples?

Related Questions:

1. What is the difference between $u^3$ and $u^2$?
2. How do you simplify $(u^3)^2$?
3. What happens if $u = 0$ in $u^3$?
4. How is $u^3$ represented on a graph?
5. How do you compute $u^3$ for negative values of $u$?

Tip:

When working with exponents, remember the rule: $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$.