大象传媒

Laws of indices - EduqasLetters or numbers to the power of zero

Using indices, we can show a number times itself many times or as another way of writing a square or cube root. Indices make complex calculations that involve powers easier.

Part of MathsNumber

Letters or numbers to the power of zero

This can be seen in the example of \(j^2 \div j^2\).

Subtract the powers, so \(j^2 \div j^2 = j^{2 - 2} = j^0\).

Any number or letter divided by itself is 1.

This gives \(j^2 \div j^2 = j^0\) (dividing rule) and \(j^2 \div j^2 = 1\), which means \(j^0 = 1\).

Laws of indices - summary

  • \(a^m \times a^n = a^{m + n}\)
  • \(a^m \div a^n = a^{m - n}\)
  • \((a^m)^n = a^{mn}\)
  • \(a^0 = 1\)