Quotient of Powers
How to solve the quotient of powers am/an: formula, 2 examples, and their solutions.
Formula
am/an = am - n
(a ≠ 0)
When dividing the same base powers,
subtract the exponents: m - n.
Product of Powers
Examplex8/x3
Solution
Solution (Detail)
x8 and x3 have the same base: x.
So x8/x3 = x8 - 3.
8 - 3 = 5.
So x5 is the answer.
Example[12x7y2z9]/[4x4y2z5]
Solution
Solution (Detail)
First simplify the coefficient numbers.
(= numbers in front of x, y, z)
12/4 = 3
So Write 3.
x7 and x4 have the same base: x.
So x7/x4 = x7 - 4.
Cancel the y2
on both of the numerator and the denominator.
So write 1.
z9 and z5 have the same base: z.
So z9/z5 = z9 - 5.
So (given) = 3⋅x7 - 4⋅1⋅z9 - 5.
The same base powers are combined.
7 - 4 = 3
9 - 5 = 4
So 3x3z4 is the answer.