Why is a⁰ equal to 1?

Because aⁿ ÷ aⁿ = a⁰ and any non-zero number divided by itself is 1.

Exponent Rules — Examples and Uses

The rules that make simplifying powers routine.

$a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$

Add exponents when multiplying like bases.

$\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$

Subtract exponents when dividing like bases.

$(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$

Multiply the exponents.

$a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$

A negative exponent means a reciprocal, not a negative value.

$a^0 = 1$

True for every non-zero base.

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Why is a⁰ equal to 1?: Because aⁿ ÷ aⁿ = a⁰ and any non-zero number divided by itself is 1.