Simplify the Expression: x⁶/x² Using Exponent Rules

Question

Insert the corresponding expression:

x6x2= \frac{x^6}{x^2}=

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

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

  • Step 1: Identify the common base in both the numerator and the denominator.

  • Step 2: Apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents.

  • Step 3: Simplify the expression by subtracting the exponents.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Notice that both the numerator x6 x^6 and the denominator x2 x^2 share the same base, x x .
Step 2: The Power of a Quotient Rule states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} . We apply this rule to our expression, obtaining x62 x^{6-2} .
Step 3: Simplifying 62 6 - 2 , we find that the expression simplifies to x4 x^4 .

Therefore, the simplified form of the expression x6x2 \frac{x^6}{x^2} is x4 x^4 .

Considering the given answer choices:

  • Choice 1: x6+2 x^{6+2} is incorrect because it involves adding the exponents, which does not follow the rules for division of powers.

  • Choice 2: x62 x^{6-2} is the correct as the setup simplification, and can be fully simplified to yield x4 x^4 for clarity.

  • Choice 3: x6×2 x^{6\times2} is incorrect because it multiplies the exponents, which is not applicable in division.

  • Choice 4: x62 x^{\frac{6}{2}} is not directly applicable as it assumes a different interpretation not aligning with subtraction of exponents for division.

The correct choice is represented by choice 2, x62 x^{6-2} .

Answer

x62 x^{6-2}