One can say that a mitzva may be understood as a sort of code, a specific, defined mathematical expression.
The intent of the mitzva, on the other hand, is like the exponent; it is the power to which that expression can be raised.
Similarly, the essence of a mitzva is a constant, always dependent upon the basic expression, namely, the act of the mitzva.
By contrast, the intent of the mitzva (or the exponent) can raise the number or expression to the second, third, fourth, or tenth powers.
One’s intent does not provide a number’s face value, but it does add the number of zeros to it.
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz