Evaluate 5⁰: Understanding the Zero Exponent Rule

Think about the pattern when exponents decrease: $5^3 = 125$, $5^2 = 25$, $5^1 = 5$. Each time we divide by 5, so $5^0 = 5 ÷ 5 = 1$!

Yes! $(-3)^0 = 1$ and $(-10)^0 = 1$. The zero exponent rule applies to any non-zero number, positive or negative.

$0^0$ is actually undefined in most contexts! The zero exponent rule only applies to non-zero bases. Remember: any non-zero number to the zero power equals 1.

Try this memory trick: "Zero power = One answer" or think of it as the neutral element - just like adding 0 doesn't change a number, any base to the zero power gives the multiplication neutral element: 1.

Use the division pattern: Start with $5^2 = 25$, then $5^1 = 25 ÷ 5 = 5$, then $5^0 = 5 ÷ 5 = 1$. The pattern confirms our answer!