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

Exponent Division with Same Base Variables

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
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 written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Insert the corresponding expression:

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

2

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.

3

Final Answer

x2 x^2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Quotient Rule: When dividing same bases, subtract the exponents: aman=amn \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}
  • Technique: For x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} , subtract exponents: 6 - 4 = 2, giving x2 x^2
  • Check: Expand to verify: xxxxxxxxxx=xx=x2 \frac{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x}{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x} = x \cdot x = x^2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents instead of subtracting
    Don't add 6 + 4 = 10 to get x10 x^{10} ! This gives a completely wrong answer because you're confusing division with multiplication rules. Always subtract exponents when dividing: 6 - 4 = 2 for x2 x^2 .

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 as canceling out common factors! When you have x6x4 \frac{x^6}{x^4} , you can cancel 4 x's from top and bottom, leaving 2 x's on top: x2 x^2 .

What if the bottom exponent is bigger than the top?

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You still subtract! For example, x3x5=x35=x2 \frac{x^3}{x^5} = x^{3-5} = x^{-2} . The negative exponent means 1x2 \frac{1}{x^2} .

Can I use this rule with different bases like x and y?

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No! The quotient rule only works when the bases are exactly the same. x6y4 \frac{x^6}{y^4} cannot be simplified using this rule.

How do I remember when to add vs subtract exponents?

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Multiplication = Add exponents: x2x3=x5 x^2 \cdot x^3 = x^5
Division = Subtract exponents: x5x3=x2 \frac{x^5}{x^3} = x^2

What if there's no exponent shown, like just x?

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Remember that x=x1 x = x^1 ! So x3x=x3x1=x31=x2 \frac{x^3}{x} = \frac{x^3}{x^1} = x^{3-1} = x^2 .

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