JHS1 Mathematics · Term 1 Week 7: Number Operations

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B7.1.2.3.3 - Show that the value of any natural number with zero as its exponent or index is 1 and use it to solve problems.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Verify that any natural number raised to the power of zero equals 1 using the division rule of indices (xᵃ ÷ xᵃ = x⁰ = 1).
Verify that any natural number with exponent zero equals 1 using the pattern of descending powers.
Evaluate expressions involving natural numbers with zero exponents and state the result correctly.
Solve problems that combine zero exponents with multiplication and division of powers.
Apply the zero exponent rule to solve word problems involving repeated factors.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Number (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Number Operations (1.2)
Content standard: B7.1.2.3 - Demonstrate understanding and the use of powers of natural numbers in solving problems.
Indicator: B7.1.2.3.3 - Show that the value of any natural number with zero as its exponent or index is 1 and use it to solve problems.
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 7 (Week 7 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Mathematics, Common Core Programme (JHS1-JHS3), 2023, p. 14
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

E.g.1 Verify why the value of any natural number with exponent zero is 1. Verification:. x = 1, but from indices, x = x 0 , hence x 0 = 1 for any natural number x x Thus: if we have 4 , the result is 1. This can also be done using 4
powers of numbers. That is, 4 = 2 2 ÷ 2 2 = 2 2-2 = 2 0 = 4
1. Therefore, any natural number with an exponent of 0 is 1. Also, if we have 27 , the result is 1. This can also be done using 27
powers of numbers. That is, 27 = 3 3 ÷ 3 3 = 3 3-3 = 3 0 = 27
1. Therefore, any natural number with an exponent of 0 is 1.