Simplify the Power Fraction: x^6 divided by x^4

Question

Insert the corresponding expression:

x6x4= \frac{x^6}{x^4}=

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:08 Let's get started.
00:10 We'll use the formula for dividing powers.
00:13 When dividing powers with the same base, A,
00:16 we subtract the exponents. So, it's A, to the power of, M minus N.
00:22 Let's apply this formula to our exercise.
00:25 We'll match our numbers to the variables in the formula.
00:34 So, keep the base the same, and subtract the exponents.
00:48 And that's how we solve the problem!

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the given expression x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents
  • Step 2: Simplify the expression
  • Step 3: Verify by comparing with the answer choices

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Apply the quotient rule for exponents. This rule states that aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} when dividing powers with the same base.

Step 2: We have x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} . According to the rule:

x6x4=x64=x2 \frac{x^6}{x^4} = x^{6-4} = x^2

Step 3: Verify by comparing with the answer choices:

  • Choice 1: x2 x^{-2} – Incorrect as it implies the exponents were added incorrectly.
  • Choice 2: x2 x^2 – This matches our result.
  • Choice 3: x10 x^{10} – Incorrect as it implies the exponents were added instead of subtracted.
  • Choice 4: x23 x^{\frac{2}{3}} – Incorrect as it does not match the calculation based on integer exponents.

Therefore, the correct choice is x2 x^2 , which is Choice 2.

Answer

x2 x^2