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.