Power of Quotient Rule Practice Problems & Division of Exponents

Master the power of quotient rule with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to divide exponents with same base through interactive exercises and examples.

📚Master Division of Exponents Through Interactive Practice
  • Apply the quotient rule formula a^m/a^n = a^(m-n) to solve division problems
  • Simplify complex expressions with multiple bases and mixed operations
  • Work with negative exponents and algebraic variables in quotient expressions
  • Convert whole numbers to exponential form for easier calculation
  • Solve multi-step problems combining quotient and product rules
  • Master division of powers with same base through targeted practice

Understanding Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents

Complete explanation with examples

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.

Detailed explanation

Practice Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents

Test your knowledge with 40 quizzes

Insert the corresponding expression:

\( \frac{9^{15}}{9^{10}}= \)

Examples with solutions for Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

2423= \frac{2^4}{2^3}=

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's keep in mind that the numerator and denominator of the fraction have terms with the same base, therefore we use the property of powers to divide between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n}

We apply it in the problem:

2423=243=21 \frac{2^4}{2^3}=2^{4-3}=2^1

Remember that any number raised to the 1st power is equal to the number itself, meaning that:

b1=b b^1=b

Therefore, in the problem we obtain:

21=2 2^1=2

Therefore, the correct answer is option a.

Answer:

2 2

Video Solution
Exercise #2

9993= \frac{9^9}{9^3}=

Step-by-Step Solution

Note that in the fraction and its denominator, there are terms with the same base, so we will use the law of exponents for division between terms with the same base:

bmbn=bmn \frac{b^m}{b^n}=b^{m-n}

Let's apply it to the problem:

9993=993=96 \frac{9^9}{9^3}=9^{9-3}=9^6

Therefore, the correct answer is b.

Answer:

96 9^6

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Simplify the following:

a4a6= \frac{a^4}{a^{-6}}=

Step-by-Step Solution

Since a division operation between two terms with identical bases is required, we will use the power property to divide terms with identical bases:

cmcn=cmn \frac{c^m}{c^n}=c^{m-n} cmcn=cmn \frac{c^m}{c^n}=c^{m-n} Note that using this property is only possible when the division is performed between terms with identical bases.

We return to the problem and apply the power property:

a4a6=a4(6)=a4+6=a10 \frac{a^4}{a^{-6}}=a^{4-(-6)}=a^{4+6}=a^{10} Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Answer:

a10 a^{10}

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

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

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

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

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the power of quotient rule for exponents?

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The power of quotient rule states that when dividing powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents: a^m/a^n = a^(m-n). The base remains the same while the new exponent equals the numerator's exponent minus the denominator's exponent.

How do you divide exponents with the same base step by step?

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Follow these steps: 1) Identify that both terms have the same base, 2) Subtract the denominator's exponent from the numerator's exponent, 3) Keep the same base and apply the result as the new exponent. For example: 5^4/5^2 = 5^(4-2) = 5^2 = 25.

What happens when you divide powers with negative bases?

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The quotient rule works the same way with negative bases. Keep the negative base in parentheses and subtract exponents normally. For example: (-5)^6/(-5)^2 = (-5)^(6-2) = (-5)^4 = 625.

Can you use the quotient rule with algebraic expressions?

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Yes, the quotient rule applies to algebraic expressions with variables. For example: x^7/x^3 = x^(7-3) = x^4. You can also combine it with coefficient division and other exponent rules in complex expressions.

What if the exponent in the denominator is larger than the numerator?

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When the denominator's exponent is larger, you get a negative exponent result. For example: x^2/x^5 = x^(2-5) = x^(-3) = 1/x^3. The quotient rule still applies, just resulting in a negative exponent.

How do you handle quotient problems with different bases?

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You cannot directly apply the quotient rule with different bases. First, try to rewrite the bases as powers of the same number. For example, change 4 to 2^2, then apply exponent rules. If bases cannot be made equal, the expression cannot be simplified using the quotient rule.

What are common mistakes when dividing exponents?

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Common errors include: 1) Dividing exponents instead of subtracting them, 2) Forgetting to subtract in the correct order (numerator minus denominator), 3) Changing the base incorrectly, 4) Not recognizing when bases can be rewritten as equivalent powers.

When do you use the quotient rule versus other exponent rules?

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Use the quotient rule specifically for division of powers with the same base. Combine it with the product rule (for multiplication), power of a power rule (for nested exponents), and power of a product rule (for expressions in parentheses raised to a power) in complex problems.

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