Division of Exponents with the Same Base

When we encounter exercises or expressions with terms that have the same base and between them the sign of division or fraction line, we can subtract the exponents.
We will subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator.
That is:
"exponent of the denominator - exponent of the numerator" = new exponent
The result obtained from the subtraction is the new exponent and we will apply it to the original base.

Formula of the property:

aman=a(mn)\frac {a^m}{a^n} =a^{(m-n)}

This property also concerns algebraic expressions.

Suggested Topics to Practice in Advance

  1. Multiplying Exponents with the Same Base

Practice Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents

Examples with solutions for Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents

Exercise #1

Insert the corresponding expression:

5959 \frac{5^9}{5^9}

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for exponents. This rule is applicable when both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction have the same base. The rule states:


aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}


For our problem, the expression is:


5959 \frac{5^9}{5^9}


In this expression, the base a a is 5 5 , m m is 9 9 , and n n is also 9 9 . We apply the rule as follows:


5959=599 \frac{5^9}{5^9} = 5^{9-9}


Calculating the exponent:


99=0 9 - 9 = 0


So the expression becomes:


50 5^0


Any number raised to the power of 0 is 1, but in this context, we are simply reducing the original expression to its simplest form. Therefore, 50 5^0 is the correct answer.


The solution to the question is: 50 5^0

Answer

50 5^0

Exercise #2

Insert the corresponding expression:

81688= \frac{8^{16}}{8^8}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

The given expression is 81688 \frac{8^{16}}{8^8} . To solve this, we apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents.

This rule states that when dividing two exponential expressions with the same base, we subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:

  • aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}

In this problem, the base 8 8 is the same in both the numerator and the denominator, so we can apply this rule.

Subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator:

  • 168=8 16 - 8 = 8

Therefore, the simplified form of the given expression is:

  • 88 8^8

Thus, the answer is 88 8^8 .

Answer

88 8^8

Exercise #3

Insert the corresponding expression:

259252= \frac{25^9}{25^2}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 259252 \frac{25^9}{25^2} , we will use the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. According to this rule, when dividing like bases, we subtract the exponents.


  • am÷an=amn a^m \div a^n = a^{m-n}


In the given expression, the base 25 25 is the same for both the numerator and the denominator. Therefore, we can apply the rule as follows:


  • Identify the exponents: m=9 m = 9 and n=2 n = 2 .

  • Subtract the exponents: 92=7 9 - 2 = 7 .

  • Write the result as a single power of the base: 257 25^7 .


Thus, the expression 259252 \frac{25^9}{25^2} simplifies to 257 25^7 .


The solution to the question is: 25^7

Answer

257 25^7

Exercise #4

Insert the corresponding expression:

60606042= \frac{60^{60}}{60^{42}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 60606042 \frac{60^{60}}{60^{42}} , we need to apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that when dividing like bases, we subtract the exponents. In mathematical terms, for any non-zero number a a , and integers m m and n n , aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} .

Applying this rule to our problem:

  • We have the same base:60 60 .

  • We subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: 606042 60^{60-42} .

  • This simplifies the expression to 6018 60^{18} .

Therefore, the solution to the question is: 6018 60^{18} .

Answer

6018 60^{18}

Exercise #5

Insert the corresponding expression:

13171314= \frac{13^{17}}{13^{14}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 13171314 \frac{13^{17}}{13^{14}} , we use the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} , where a a is a non-zero number, and m m and n n are integers.


In the given expression, a=13 a = 13 , m=17 m = 17 , and n=14 n = 14 . Applying the power of a quotient rule, we perform the following calculation:


Subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: 1714=3 17 - 14 = 3 .


This simplification leads us to:

131714=133 13^{17-14} = 13^3


Therefore, the final simplified expression is 133 13^3 .

Answer

133 13^3

Exercise #6

Insert the corresponding expression:

57510= \frac{5^7}{5^{10}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 57510 \frac{5^7}{5^{10}} , we need to apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that when dividing like bases, you subtract the exponents:

aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} .

In this particular case, the base is 5, and the exponents are 7 and 10. Using the rule, we subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator:

  • Numerator exponent = 7
  • Denominator exponent = 10

Therefore, we get:

5710 5^{7-10} .

In conclusion, the simplified form of the given expression is:
53 5^{-3} .

The solution to the question is: 5710 5^{7-10} .

Answer

5710 5^{7-10}

Exercise #7

Insert the corresponding expression:

17161720= \frac{17^{16}}{17^{20}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 17161720 \frac{17^{16}}{17^{20}} , we can apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that when you divide two exponents with the same base, you can subtract the exponents to simplify the expression.

The given expression is:

17161720 \frac{17^{16}}{17^{20}}

According to the Quotient Rule for Exponents, this expression can be simplified as:

171620 17^{16-20}

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

  • The base of both the numerator and the denominator is the same, that is, 17.
  • According to the rule, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: 1620 16 - 20 .
  • This gives us the exponent: 4 -4 .

So, the simplified expression is:

174 17^{-4}

However, as requested, we should express this as:

171620 17^{16-20}

The solution to the question is:

171620 17^{16-20}

Answer

171620 17^{16-20}

Exercise #8

Insert the corresponding expression:

8489= \frac{8^4}{8^9}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To simplify the expression 8489 \frac{8^4}{8^9} , we apply the rule of exponents for division:

  • The quotient rule for exponents is aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} .

Since both the numerator and the denominator have the same base (8), we can apply this rule directly:

8489=849 \frac{8^4}{8^9} = 8^{4-9}

Thus, the resulting expression is 85 8^{-5} .

Reviewing the choices given:

  • Choice 1: 894 8^{9-4} which equals 85 8^5 , is incorrectly stating the subtraction order.
  • Choice 2: 849 8^{\frac{4}{9}} is incorrect, as it represents a different operation (taking the root) rather than division of exponents.
  • Choice 3: 849 8^{4-9} is correct, as it correctly applies the quotient rule for exponents.
  • Choice 4: 84×9 8^{4\times9} suggests multiplication of exponents, not applicable here.

Therefore, the correct answer is Choice 3: 849 8^{4-9} , which simplifies to 85 8^{-5} .

Answer

849 8^{4-9}

Exercise #9

Insert the corresponding expression:

5358= \frac{5^3}{5^8}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We need to simplify the expression 5358 \frac{5^3}{5^8} using the rules of exponents. Specifically, we will use the power of a quotient rule for exponents which states that when you divide like bases you subtract the exponents:

aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} .

Here, the base is 5, the exponent in the numerator is 3, and the exponent in the denominator is 8.

  • Apply the rule: 538 5^{3-8}
  • Subtract the exponents: 55 5^{-5} .

Therefore, the simplified expression is 55 5^{-5} .

The solution to the question is: 55 5^{-5}

Answer

55 5^{-5}

Exercise #10

Insert the corresponding expression:

915910= \frac{9^{15}}{9^{10}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 915910 \frac{9^{15}}{9^{10}} , we will use the Power of a Quotient rule for exponents, which states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} . This rule applies when both the numerator and the denominator have the same base.

In our problem, both the numerator and the denominator have the base 9, hence we can apply the rule:

  • Identify the exponents: The exponent in the numerator is 15, and the exponent in the denominator is 10.
  • Apply the Power of a Quotient rule by subtracting the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator:
    91510 9^{15-10}
  • Calculate the result of the subtraction:
    1510=5 15 - 10 = 5
  • Thus, the simplified form of the expression is:
    95 9^5

The solution to the question is: 95 9^5

Answer

95 9^5

Exercise #11

Insert the corresponding expression:

884= \frac{8}{8^4}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the expression 884\frac{8}{8^4}, we will simplify it using the exponent rule for dividing powers with the same base:

  • Step 1: Identify the expression as 8184\frac{8^1}{8^4}. Both terms have base 8.
  • Step 2: Apply the formula aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}. Here, m=1m = 1 and n=4n = 4.
  • Step 3: Perform the subtraction in the exponent: 8148^{1-4}.

Now, calculating the exponent:

814=838^{1-4} = 8^{-3}.

We know that a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal, so:

83=1838^{-3} = \frac{1}{8^3}.

Thus, the simplified expression is 183\frac{1}{8^3}.

Based on the choices given, the correct option is:

  • 183 \frac{1}{8^3} (Choice 1): This matches our simplified expression.
  • 83 8^3 (Choice 2): Incorrect, as it does not simplify the division.
  • 84 8^{-4} (Choice 3): Incorrect, because it incorrectly represents the situation.
  • 84 8^4 (Choice 4): Incorrect, as it doesn't simplify the expression.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is: 183\frac{1}{8^3}.

I am confident in the correctness of this solution.

Answer

183 \frac{1}{8^3}

Exercise #12

Insert the corresponding expression:

710713= \frac{7^{10}}{7^{13}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents
  • Step 2: Simplify the resulting expression
  • Step 3: Compare the simplified form with the given choices

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Given the expression 710713 \frac{7^{10}}{7^{13}} , use the quotient rule for exponents, which states aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}.
Step 2: Apply this rule to get 71013=73 7^{10-13} = 7^{-3} .
Step 3: Rewrite 73 7^{-3} using the rule for negative exponents, which is an=1an a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} . Therefore, 73=173 7^{-3} = \frac{1}{7^3} .

Comparing with the provided answer choices, the correct choice is:

  • Choice 2: 173 \frac{1}{7^3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 173 \frac{1}{7^3} , confirming the correctness of the derived expression and matching the provided answer.

Answer

173 \frac{1}{7^3}

Exercise #13

Insert the corresponding expression:

2226= \frac{2^2}{2^6}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's solve the expression 2226 \frac{2^2}{2^6} using the rules of exponents. Specifically, we'll use the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents which states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} .


  • First, identify the base, which is 2, and the exponents. According to the rule, we subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator.
  • In our case, the exponents are 2 (in the numerator) and 6 (in the denominator).
  • Subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: 26=4 2 - 6 = -4 . This gives us 24 2^{-4} .
  • According to the rule of negative exponents, an=1an a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} , so we rewrite 24 2^{-4} as 124 \frac{1}{2^4} .

Therefore, the expression 2226 \frac{2^2}{2^6} simplifies to 124 \frac{1}{2^4} .

The solution to the question is: 124 \frac{1}{2^4}

Answer

124 \frac{1}{2^4}

Exercise #14

Insert the corresponding expression:

125128= \frac{12^5}{12^8}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To simplify the expression 125128 \frac{12^5}{12^8} , we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents.
  • Step 2: Simplify and interpret the result using negative exponents if necessary.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents.
We are given the expression 125128 \frac{12^5}{12^8} . According to the quotient rule for exponents, aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} , so we have:

125128=1258=123 \frac{12^5}{12^8} = 12^{5-8} = 12^{-3}

Step 2: Simplify and interpret.
The result 123 12^{-3} can be expressed using the concept of negative exponents an=1an a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} :

123=1123 12^{-3} = \frac{1}{12^3}

Therefore, both expressions 123 12^{-3} and 1123 \frac{1}{12^3} are equivalent.

Matching with the provided choices:
- Choice 1: 123 12^{-3} - This matches our first result.
- Choice 2: 1123 \frac{1}{12^3} - This matches our interpretation of the negative exponent.

Choice 4 states: "a'+b' are correct," which refers to both expressions being correct representations. Therefore, the correct answer is "a'+b' are correct."

Answer

a'+b' are correct

Exercise #15

Insert the corresponding expression:

56513= \frac{5^6}{5^{13}}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll use the quotient rule for exponents:

The formula to use is aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}, applicable when the bases are the same.

Let's apply this step-by-step:

  • Step 1: We have the expression 56513\frac{5^6}{5^{13}}. Identify m=6m = 6 and n=13n = 13 with base 55.
  • Step 2: Apply the formula 56513=5613\frac{5^6}{5^{13}} = 5^{6-13}.
  • Step 3: Simplify the exponent: 613=76 - 13 = -7, so 5613=575^{6-13} = 5^{-7}.
  • Step 4: Recognize that a negative exponent means a reciprocal: 57=1575^{-7} = \frac{1}{5^7}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 157\frac{1}{5^7}.

Now, considering the answer choices:

  • Choice 1: 575^7, not correct as it doesn't reflect the negative exponent.
  • Choice 2: 157\frac{1}{5^7}, correct since it matches our simplified solution.
  • Choice 3: 5195^{19}, incorrect; this would imply adding exponents.
  • Choice 4: a'+b' are correct. This is not relevant to our examined choices.

Thus, the correct option is Choice 2: 157\frac{1}{5^7}.

Answer

157 \frac{1}{5^7}