Name: Wendy

Who is asking: Teacher
Level: Middle

Question:
Help!!!!

How do I explain to kids that i.e. 5 exponent 0 = 1?

Does 0 exponent 0 = 1?

Thanks

Hi Wendy,

By applying the rule for exponents of quotients you can show that

But we know that any rational expression (fraction) that has the same thing in the numerator and the denominator is equal to 1.

By the transitive property, a⁰ is therefore equal to 1.

0⁰ is more complicated since you cannot do an analogous demonstration with it because 0 raised to a finite power is 0 and you can therefore not have it in the denominator of a fraction. 0⁰ is undefined.

Our response to another teacher who asked about 0⁰ may help clairfy why 0⁰ should remain undefined.

Hope this helps.

Leeanne and Penny