Isn't 0^0 an unknown number? Then why does this formula treat it as equal to 1? http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/PowerSeries_files/eq0012MP.gif

Question

Isn't 0^0 an unknown number?  Then why does this formula treat it as equal to 1? http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/PowerSeries_files/eq0012MP.gif

anonymous · Answer

any reason why?

wolf1728 · Answer

0^1 or 0^2 or 0^3 all equal zero. 
However, 1^0 or 2^0 or 3^0 all equal 1 
So from those 2 examples, you could make a case for 0^0 = 0 OR 0^0 =1

directrix · Answer

@wolf1728 
Because exponentiation is not commutative, I do not follow your argument.

wolf1728 · Answer

Directrix I wasn't trying to show exponentiation was commutative.
I was just showing that zero when raised to any power (except 0) = 0
All numbers (except 0) when raised to the power of zero equal one.
Basically, I was presenting a case to show how 0^0 can be shown to be 0 or 1.