5 to 2nd power divided by 5 to the 5th power

Question

how do you solve the equation 5 to 2nd power divided by 5 to the 5th power

Answer 1

An exponential term has the form a^x, where a is a number called the base and x is the exponent.

 

The rule is that if you multiply two terms together that have the same base (a), you just add the exponents.  For example:

 

a²*a⁵ = a²⁺⁵ = a⁷

 

Another rule is that 1/a^x = a^-x

 

Your problem is:

 

5²/5⁵ = 5²*5^-5 = ?

 

Can you apply the rule for adding exponents and complete the problem?