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Power of zero

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 8 of 25 on Mathematics. ACS element AM.I.H.K10 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAny non-zero number raised to the zero power equals

  1. A0
  2. B1
  3. Cthe number itself
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 1

  • A — incorrect The exponent is zero, but the result is 1, not 0.
  • B — correct The handbook states that any non-zero number raised to the zero power always equals 1; for example, 7⁰ = 1 and 181⁰ = 1.
  • C — incorrect A number equals itself when raised to the first power, not the zero power.

BACKGROUND

The power (or exponent) of a number is a shorthand for how many times the base is multiplied by itself; 3⁴ means 3 multiplied by itself 4 times. Several special powers are named: a power of 2 is called squared and a power of 3 is called cubed. Any non-zero number raised to the zero power always equals 1, so 7⁰ = 1 and (2⁴)⁰ = 1. A negative power equals the reciprocal of the number with the same power made positive.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the three special cases: squared (power 2), cubed (power 3), and the zero power (always 1).

KEY POINTS

  • Exponent = number of times the base is multiplied by itself.
  • Any non-zero number to the zero power = 1.
  • Squared = power of 2; cubed = power of 3.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch03 "Power of Zero"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.