Question

Need help with this, i dont understand so please also explain!

Answer 1

The rule for dividing exponents is:
For exponents with the same base, you can subtract the exponents and put the difference as exponent over the base. Remember that the fraction bar acts as a division sign! Or:
`( a^(m) )/(a^(n) ) = a^(m) / a^(n) = a^(m-n)`

For example:
`( a^(5) )/(a^(2) ) = a^(5) / a^(2) = a^(5-2) = a^(3)`

Back to your problem:
You're asked to simplify
`(a^(12) b^(8) )/(a^(2) b^(4))`.

Use your exponent rule for dividing exponents.

`(a^(12) b^(8) )/(a^(2) b^(4))\\ = a^((12-2)) b^((8-4))\\ = a^(10) b^(4)`
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Answer:
`a^(10) b^(4)`