Zero Exponent: Why is the answer 1?

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Taught by msnewburn
  • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
7391 views | 2 ratings
Part of video series
Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, the instructor explains why any number to the zero power is equal to one. They use the example of three to the zero power being one and demonstrate a logical deduction of this concept. By dividing 27 by 3, then 9 by 3, and so on, they show that the exponent decreases by one each time until it reaches zero. This pattern helps students understand why any number to the zero power equals one.

Lesson Description:

An explanation of why a number to the zero power is equal to 1.

Questions answered by this video:
  • Why is a number to the zero power equal to 1?
  • What is a number to the zero power?
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
    A good explanation of a mathematical truth that boggles so many students’ minds. Why is a number to the zero power equal to one? This explanation uses patterns to show why this works. This is not formally a proof, but it is good enough for many students to believe.