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Why do you subtract exponents when dividing powers with the same base?

User Gpichler
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1 Answer

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(a^6)/(a^4) = (a* a * a * a * a * a)/(a * a * a * a) = a * a = a ^(6-4) = a^2

If you started crossing the a's in the numerator and denominator, then you would be left with a x a

Hope that helped :)
User Paul Terwilliger
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