1. The problem asks: For the function $y = 8^x$, what value is $8^x$ always greater than? 2. The function $y = a^x$ where $a > 0$ and $a \neq 1$ is an exponential function. Important rule: For any positive base $a$, $a^x$ is always positive, meaning $a^x > 0$ for all real $x$. 3. Since $8 > 0$, $8^x$ is always greater than 0, regardless of the value of $x$. 4. Let's check the answer choices: - Is $8^x$ always greater than 8? No, because when $x=0$, $8^0=1$, which is not greater than 8. - Is $8^x$ always greater than 0? Yes, because exponential functions with positive bases never reach zero or negative values. - Is $8^x$ always greater than 1? No, because when $x$ is negative, $8^x$ is between 0 and 1. 5. Therefore, the correct answer is that $8^x$ is always greater than 0. Final answer: $8^x > 0$ for all real $x$.