What if the exponent is 0?

Today the topic was introduction to exponents. We talked about using tables to organize our thinking and to look for patterns.

Using the table, we can show students exponents, what they mean, and how to show that \(7^{0} = 1\).

The patterns in the table show that \(7^{0} = 1\).

Repeat with a base of 6.

We see that \(6^{0} = 1\).

Students then choose their own base to complete the table. As you gather the student discoveries for each base raised to the ZERO power, the pattern emerges…

Students can now see that any number raised to the ZERO power is equal to 1. This will be true even for fractions raised to the ZERO power.