Simplify the Power Expression: 2²/2⁶ Using Exponent Rules

Question

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:08 First, let's simplify.
00:10 We'll use the formula for dividing powers.
00:14 If you have A to the power of N, divided by A to the power of M...
00:19 It equals A to the power of M minus N.
00:23 Let's apply this to our exercise.
00:26 Now, the formula for negative exponents.
00:29 A to the power of negative N means...
00:33 You use the reciprocal, one over A, to the power of N.
00:38 Apply this formula in our exercise.
00:42 Substitute the reciprocal and the positive power.
00:45 And that's how we solve the problem!

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}