Simplify the Expression: (b^10/b^2)÷(b^9/b^5)

Exponent Laws with Division Operations

Simplify the following problem:

b10b2:b9b5= \frac{b^{10}}{b^2}:\frac{b^9}{b^5}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:10 Let's simplify this expression step by step.
00:14 Remember, when dividing powers with the same base,
00:18 the power is the difference of the exponents.
00:21 We'll use this rule in our exercise. Let's subtract the exponents.
00:30 Now, let's calculate the new power.
00:42 And that's how we find the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Simplify the following problem:

b10b2:b9b5= \frac{b^{10}}{b^2}:\frac{b^9}{b^5}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by rearranging the problem into a more workable format. Write the expression in an organized way using fractions, remembering that division is actually multiplication by the reciprocal, and therefore instead of dividing by a fraction we can always multiply by its reciprocal. In order to obtain the reciprocal of a simple fraction we simply flip between the numerator and denominator. Mathematically, instead of writing::xy :\frac{x}{y} We can always write:yx \cdot\frac{y}{x}

Let's apply this to the problem:

b10b2:b9b5=b10b2b5b9 \frac{b^{10}}{b^2}:\frac{b^9}{b^5}=\frac{b^{10}}{b^2}\cdot\frac{b^5}{b^9}

From here the solution becomes clear, we'll continue to multiply the fractions together.

Notice that in both fractions there are terms in the numerator and denominator with identical bases, hence we'll apply the division law for terms with identical bases to simplify the expression:

cmcn=cmn \frac{c^m}{c^n}=c^{m-n}

Let's apply this law to each fraction separately:

b10b2b5b9=b102b59=b8b4 \frac{b^{10}}{b^2}\cdot\frac{b^5}{b^9}=b^{10-2}\cdot b^{5-9}=b^8\cdot b^{-4}

In the second stage we calculated the result of the subtraction operation in the exponents for each term separately,

The next step is to calculate the multiplication operation between two terms with the same base, hence we'll apply the power law for multiplication between terms with identical bases:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n}

Let's apply this law to the problem:

b8b4=b8+(4)=b84=b4 b^8\cdot b^{-4}=b^{8+(-4)}=b^{8-4}=b^4

The expression is now in its most simplified form.

Therefore the correct answer is C.

3

Final Answer

b4 b^4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Division to Multiplication: Convert division by fraction to multiplication by its reciprocal
  • Quotient Rule: b10b2=b102=b8 \frac{b^{10}}{b^2} = b^{10-2} = b^8 when dividing same bases
  • Check: Verify by expanding: b4=bbbb b^4 = b \cdot b \cdot b \cdot b matches original ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents instead of subtracting during division
    Don't add exponents when dividing: b10b2b12 \frac{b^{10}}{b^2} ≠ b^{12} ! Addition only works for multiplication of same bases. Always subtract the bottom exponent from the top exponent when dividing same bases.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I flip the second fraction?

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Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So ÷b9b5 ÷\frac{b^9}{b^5} becomes ×b5b9 ×\frac{b^5}{b^9} . This makes the problem much easier to solve!

When do I subtract exponents vs add them?

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Subtract when dividing same bases: bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n} = b^{m-n}
Add when multiplying same bases: bmbn=bm+n b^m \cdot b^n = b^{m+n}

What if I get a negative exponent?

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Negative exponents are normal! Like b4 b^{-4} in this problem. Just continue with the rules: b8b4=b8+(4)=b4 b^8 \cdot b^{-4} = b^{8+(-4)} = b^4

Can I simplify each fraction separately first?

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Yes! That's exactly the right approach. Simplify b10b2=b8 \frac{b^{10}}{b^2} = b^8 and b5b9=b4 \frac{b^5}{b^9} = b^{-4} , then multiply: b8b4=b4 b^8 \cdot b^{-4} = b^4

How do I know which answer choice is correct?

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Work through each step carefully and double-check your exponent arithmetic. In this case: 10-2=8, 5-9=-4, then 8+(-4)=4, so the answer is b4 b^4

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