Question

Multiply or divide as indicated simplify your answer if possible

Answer 1

`x^(-13)`

Explanation:

We are given the following expression and we are to determine whether it is to be multiplied or divided and perform that operation on it accordingly:

`\frac {x ^ {-8} } { x ^ 5}`

The given expression indicates that the two terms are to be divided and we know that when two terms with same bases are divided, their exponents are subtracted.

`x^((-8)-5) = x^(-13)`

Therefore, the simplified answer is
`x^(-13)`.

Answer 2

`(x^(-8))/(x^(5))=x^(-13)`

Explanation:

In division of powers with the same base, we must subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator:

`(a^(m))/(a^(n))=a^(m-n)`

Then applying this to the problem:

`(x^(-8))/(x^(5))=x^(-8-5)\\ (x^(-8))/(x^(5))=x^(-13)`