FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the result of raising any number to the power of 0?

1. 0

2. 1

3. The number itself

4. Undefined

The correct answer is: 1

Raising any number to the power of 0 results in 1. This rule holds true for all non-zero numbers. The principle behind this is rooted in the properties of exponents. When you divide a number by itself (which is essentially what happens when you reduce powers), such as \( a^n / a^n \), you get \( a^{n-n} \), which simplifies to \( a^0 \). Since any non-zero number divided by itself equals 1, \( a^0 \) must also equal 1. For context, if the base were zero, the situation is often considered separately, but for any non-zero base, the outcome is consistently defined as 1. Hence, the concept of zero exponent applies broadly and is a foundational rule in exponentiation.