The 'Zero Exponent' rule is really easy, but you will have to memorize it, because it does not seem to make sense! Here it is: 50 = 1 Any power of zero always equals 1. Simple rule, right? But consider what it really means: "When you multiply 5 by itself NO times, you get 1. How can you multiply something no times, and why should you get 1 when you do? Like we said, it seems nonsensical! Nevertheless, that's the rule! And it does follow logically from the rules we've already looked at! Have a close look at this question: By writing out all the 2's, and reducing the fraction, we end up with answer 1. But let's do the same question using the Quotient Rule: (subtract the exponents) We got two different answers, but they must be the same thing! So ... 20 must be the same as 1 Here are a few questions to try: this time, just say the answer to each to yourself: 60 = ?40 = ?100 = ?(-11)0 = ? That's right ... all the answers were 1. The Zero Exponent Rule says: "Any base with exponent zero gives an answer of 1." O.K., are you ready for the last rule? Next is the 'Negative Exponent' page. Powers Introduction Simple Powers | Product Rule | Quotient Rule | Power Rule Zero Exponent | Negative Exponents Main Page