What does a⁰ equal?

When any non-zero number, represented as "a," is raised to the power of zero, the result is always equal to one. This is a fundamental rule in mathematics, based on the properties of exponents. To understand why this is the case, consider how exponents work.

For example, if you take a number and decrease the exponent by 1, you divide by the base. So:

• a² = a * a

• a¹ = a² / a = a * a / a = a (as long as a is not zero)

• a⁰ = a¹ / a = a / a = 1 (as long as a is not zero)

This demonstrates that as you continue to reduce the exponent, when reaching zero, you effectively perform a division by "a," resulting in one. Consequently, this rule holds true for any non-zero value of "a," affirming that the value of a raised to the power of zero is always one.