Zero at Work
Part of the Exponents & Polynomials section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 27 of 64.
7x^0 reads carefully: the exponent binds to the x alone, as always, so this is 7 * x^0 = 7 * 1 = 7. The chapter one rule about what an exponent reaches is doing quiet work here.
(7x)^0 is different: the parentheses hand the whole product to the zero, and the whole thing collapses to 1. One pair of parentheses, six units of difference.
A zero exponent erases its base from the scene, leaving the factor 1. Whatever else the expression holds continues unaffected.
Challenge
EasyEvaluate 5x^0 by hand: type what the product becomes, then the number. What does the exponent reach?
Try it yourself
Simplify the expression
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Exponents & Polynomials
1What a Power Is
Repeated MultiplicationSquares and CubesPowers of Negative NumbersWhere the Minus LivesRecap: First Powers4Power of a Power
A Power Raised AgainWhy Exponents MultiplyProduct Rule or Power Rule?The Rule in LettersRecap: Power of a Power2The Product Rule
Multiplying Same BasesWith CoefficientsMore Than Two FactorsThe Rule in LettersRecap: The Product Rule5Product and Quotient Powers
Every Factor Gets the PowerWith a Number InsideA Power of a QuotientAll Three Rules TogetherRecap: Products and Quotients8What a Polynomial Is
Terms with PowersThe DegreeLike Terms, Only StrongerRecap: Meet the Polynomials11Dividing by a Monomial
Splitting the FractionDividing by a Variable TermBigger SplitsCancel with CareRecap: Dividing3The Quotient Rule
Dividing Same BasesWhy Exponents SubtractWith CoefficientsThe Rule in LettersRecap: The Quotient Rule6Zero and Negative Exponents
The Zero ExponentZero at WorkNegative Means ReciprocalWriting Without NegativesPowers of TenRecap: Zero and Negative