## Negative Exponents

Fractions, ratios, percentages, exponents, number patterns, word problems without variables, etc.
iceking
Posts: 25
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### Negative Exponents

Ok, maybe I misread my book, but this is from my book:
For any number "a" (except zero), a0 = 1.
Now I have a homework problem:
Simplify the expression: mn0
So, I put in for my answer 1, but when it was graded the teacher said that that was the wrong answer. How could it be wrong if any number the the power if zero is 1? Did I misread my book, or did the teacher's answer key make a mistake?

stapel_eliz
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If the expression was $mn^0$, then you have $m\, \times\, n^0$. How does that simplify?

If the expression was $(mn)^0$, then you would get the answer you gave.

iceking
Posts: 25
Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:46 am
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### Re: Negative Exponents

If the expression was $mn^0$, then you have $m\, \times\, n^0$. How does that simplify?
That was the expression, would that simplify to $m$?

stapel_eliz
Posts: 1628
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm
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That is the value of $m\, \times\, 1$, yes?