Simplify (x×y)^25 Divided by (x×y)^21: Power Rule Application

Quotient Rule with Same Base Exponents

Insert the corresponding expression:

(x×y)25(x×y)21= \frac{\left(x\times y\right)^{25}}{\left(x\times y\right)^{21}}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simply
00:02 We'll use the formula for dividing exponents
00:04 Any number (A) to the power of (N) divided by the same base (A) to the power of (M)
00:07 equals the number (A) to the power of the difference of exponents (M-N)
00:10 We'll use this formula in our exercise
00:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Insert the corresponding expression:

(x×y)25(x×y)21= \frac{\left(x\times y\right)^{25}}{\left(x\times y\right)^{21}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We are tasked with simplifying the expression (x×y)25(x×y)21\frac{\left(x \times y\right)^{25}}{\left(x \times y\right)^{21}}.

To solve this, we will apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that when you divide powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents. Formally, aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}.

Here, the base aa is (x×y)(x \times y), and the exponents mm and nn are 25 and 21, respectively. So, applying this rule gives us:

(x×y)25(x×y)21=(x×y)2521 \frac{\left(x \times y\right)^{25}}{\left(x \times y\right)^{21}} = \left(x \times y\right)^{25 - 21}

By simplifying the expression 252125 - 21, we get:

(x×y)4 \left(x \times y\right)^{4}

Thus, the solution to the problem is effectively represented by the expression (x×y)2521\left(x \times y\right)^{25 - 21}.

Now, looking at the choices provided:

  • Choice 1: (x×y)2521\left(x \times y\right)^{\frac{25}{21}} is incorrect, as it uses division instead of subtraction.
  • Choice 2: (x×y)2521\left(x \times y\right)^{25-21} is correct, as it applies the Quotient Rule correctly.
  • Choice 3: (x×y)25×21\left(x \times y\right)^{25 \times 21} is incorrect because it uses multiplication instead of subtraction.
  • Choice 4: (x×y)25+21\left(x \times y\right)^{25+21} is incorrect because it uses addition instead of subtraction.

Therefore, the correct answer is choice 2, (x×y)2521\left(x \times y\right)^{25-21}.

I am confident in the correctness of this solution based on the consistent application of mathematical rules.

3

Final Answer

(x×y)2521 \left(x\times y\right)^{25-21}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Quotient Rule: When dividing same bases, subtract the exponents
  • Technique: aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} means 25-21=4
  • Check: Answer should be (x×y)2521 (x \times y)^{25-21} not calculated value ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding or multiplying exponents instead of subtracting
    Don't add exponents (25+21=46) or multiply them (25×21=525) = completely wrong operation! The quotient rule specifically requires subtraction because division undoes multiplication. Always subtract the bottom exponent from the top exponent.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we subtract exponents when dividing?

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Think of it this way: a5a2=aaaaaaa \frac{a^5}{a^2} = \frac{a \cdot a \cdot a \cdot a \cdot a}{a \cdot a} . When you cancel out the common factors, you're left with 3 factors of a, which is a3=a52 a^3 = a^{5-2} !

What if the bottom exponent is larger than the top?

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No problem! You still subtract: x3x7=x37=x4 \frac{x^3}{x^7} = x^{3-7} = x^{-4} . The negative exponent means the result goes in the denominator: 1x4 \frac{1}{x^4} .

Do I need to simplify 25-21 in my answer?

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For this question, no! The answer choices show (x×y)2521 (x \times y)^{25-21} as the correct form. The question asks for the expression, not the simplified numerical result.

What if the bases were different, like x^25 ÷ y^21?

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Then you cannot use the quotient rule! The bases must be exactly the same to subtract exponents. Different bases stay separate: x25y21 \frac{x^{25}}{y^{21}} .

Can I use this rule with more complex bases?

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Absolutely! As long as the bases are identical, it works. Whether it's (x+3)8÷(x+3)5 (x+3)^8 ÷ (x+3)^5 or (2ab)10÷(2ab)6 (2ab)^{10} ÷ (2ab)^6 , just subtract the exponents!

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