1. The problem states: Simplify the expression $x^0 \times y^0$ and check if it equals $xy$. 2. Recall the rule: Any nonzero number raised to the power of zero equals 1. That is, for any $a \neq 0$, $a^0 = 1$. 3. Applying this rule, we have: $$x^0 = 1 \quad \text{and} \quad y^0 = 1$$ 4. Therefore, the product is: $$x^0 \times y^0 = 1 \times 1 = 1$$ 5. The expression $xy$ is generally not equal to 1 unless both $x$ and $y$ are 1. 6. So, $x^0 \times y^0$ simplifies to 1, not $xy$. Final answer: $$x^0 \times y^0 = 1 \neq xy$$