Positive Exponents and Zero Exponents

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The following diagram shows how to calculate exponents or indices. Scroll down the page for more examples and solutions on exponents.

The notation aⁿ for n > 0, means a multiplied by itself n times.

For example,

For a quantity aⁿ, a is called the base and n is called the exponent or index.

Example:
Find the value of each of the following:

Solution:
Text Box: a) (– 2)5 = (–2) × (–2) × (–2) × (–2) × (–2) = –32 b) c) 0.33 = 0.3 × 0.3 × 0.3 = 0.027

Any number with an exponent of 0 is 1.

So, a⁰ = 1, for a ≠ 0

Example:
Simplify the following:
a) 3⁰
b) (-1)⁰

Solution:
a) 3⁰ = 1
b) (–1)⁰ = 1

Introduction To Exponents (Indices)

Examples of positive exponents and zero exponent

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