Simplify (a×b)¹² ÷ (a×b)³: Power Division Problem

Exponent Division with Same Base

Insert the corresponding expression:

(a×b)12(a×b)3= \frac{\left(a\times b\right)^{12}}{\left(a\times b\right)^3}=

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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 powers
00:04 Any number (A) to the power of (N) divided by the same base (A) to the power of (M)
00:06 equals the number (A) to the power of the difference of exponents (M-N)
00:08 We'll use this formula in our exercise
00:10 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:

(a×b)12(a×b)3= \frac{\left(a\times b\right)^{12}}{\left(a\times b\right)^3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem (a×b)12(a×b)3 \frac{\left(a \times b\right)^{12}}{\left(a \times b\right)^3} , we can use the rule for exponents known as the Power of a Quotient Rule, which states that xmxn=xmn \frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m-n} , where x x is a non-zero base and m m and n n are the exponents.


Let's apply this rule step by step to our expression:

  • Identify the base: In the expression (a×b)12(a×b)3 \frac{\left(a \times b\right)^{12}}{\left(a \times b\right)^3} , the base is a×b a \times b .
  • Identify the exponents: The exponent for the numerator is 12, and for the denominator, it is 3.
  • Apply the Power of a Quotient Rule: (a×b)12(a×b)3=(a×b)123 \frac{\left(a \times b\right)^{12}}{\left(a \times b\right)^3} = \left(a \times b\right)^{12-3} .

Thus, the simplification of the given expression is: (a×b)123 \left(a \times b\right)^{12-3}


The solution to the question is: (a×b)9 \left(a \times b\right)^{9}

3

Final Answer

(a×b)123 \left(a\times b\right)^{12-3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When dividing powers with same base, subtract exponents
  • Technique: (ab)12(ab)3=(ab)123=(ab)9 \frac{(ab)^{12}}{(ab)^3} = (ab)^{12-3} = (ab)^9
  • Check: Verify by expanding: 12 - 3 = 9 exponent ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding instead of subtracting exponents in division
    Don't add exponents like 12 + 3 = 15 when dividing! This gives (ab)15 (ab)^{15} which is completely wrong. Division means you're reducing the power, not increasing it. 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: (ab)12(ab)3 \frac{(ab)^{12}}{(ab)^3} means 12 factors of (ab) divided by 3 factors of (ab). The 3 factors cancel out, leaving you with 12 - 3 = 9 factors!

What if the bases are different like a² ÷ b³?

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The exponent division rule only works when the bases are identical. If bases are different (like a² ÷ b³), you cannot combine them using this rule.

Can I multiply the exponents instead?

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No! Multiplication of exponents happens when you have (xm)n=xmn (x^m)^n = x^{mn} . For division xmxn \frac{x^m}{x^n} , you always subtract the exponents.

What happens if the bottom exponent is bigger?

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You still subtract! For example, x3x7=x37=x4 \frac{x^3}{x^7} = x^{3-7} = x^{-4} . The negative exponent means one over that positive power.

Do I need to simplify (ab)^(12-3) further?

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The question asks for the corresponding expression, so (ab)123 (ab)^{12-3} is the correct answer format. You could also write it as (ab)9 (ab)^9 if asked to evaluate.

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