Simplify the Expression: x⁶/x² Using Exponent Rules

Division of Powers with Same Base

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

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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 number (A) to the power of the difference of exponents (M-N) 00:07
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:

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

2

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} .

3

Final Answer

x62 x^{6-2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When dividing powers with same base, subtract exponents
  • Technique: Apply aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} to get x62 x^{6-2}
  • Check: Verify x62=x4 x^{6-2} = x^4 by multiplying back: x4x2=x6 x^4 \cdot x^2 = x^6

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding or multiplying exponents instead of subtracting
    Don't add exponents like x6+2=x8 x^{6+2} = x^8 or multiply like x6×2=x12 x^{6\times2} = x^{12} ! This confuses division rules with multiplication rules and gives completely wrong answers. Always subtract exponents when dividing powers with the same base: x6x2=x62=x4 \frac{x^6}{x^2} = x^{6-2} = x^4 .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Insert the corresponding expression:

\( \frac{9^{11}}{9^4}= \)

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: x6x2=xxxxxxxx \frac{x^6}{x^2} = \frac{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x}{x \cdot x} . You can cancel out two x's from top and bottom, leaving four x's on top, which is x4 x^4 !

What if the bottom exponent is larger than the top?

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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 divided by that positive power: x4=1x4 x^{-4} = \frac{1}{x^4} .

Can I use this rule with different bases?

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No! This rule only works when the bases are identical. For x3y2 \frac{x^3}{y^2} , you cannot subtract exponents because x and y are different bases.

How do I remember when to add vs subtract exponents?

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Use this memory trick: Multiplication = Add exponents (x3x2=x5 x^3 \cdot x^2 = x^5 ), Division = Subtract exponents (x5x2=x3 \frac{x^5}{x^2} = x^3 ). Think 'multiply-add' and 'divide-subtract'!

Do I need to simplify the final answer further?

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If your answer is x62 x^{6-2} , you should complete the subtraction to get x4 x^4 . Always simplify arithmetic in exponents for the clearest final answer.

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