This is all great information, but I'm one of those non-mathematical persons you refer to above.

I know how to find a "pow" node but not what to do with it after I find it.

Your above sample shows input2 <- 2.2 which I can only interpret as meaning to put the value of 2.2 in the input2 of my Pow node.  However, that node does not accept numerical values.

Any chance of "seeing" the set-up in action?  I understand it better when it's visual.