I need the rule for dividing exponents

Question

I need to see a chart that shows the rule for dividing by exponents

like 8 (8divided by 8) exponent

Answer 1

Lauren explained it well. When dividing with exponents the rule is  x^a/x^b = x^a-b. However, if you have a negative exponent you have to flip it. Such as x^-a/x^-b = x^b/x^a = x^b-a.

Hope this helps you! Let me know if you have any additional questions :)

Answer 2

When you have x^a/x^b, the rule is x^a-b. If you are referring to rational exponents, then you are actually talking about using the radical rules. For example x^1/2 is actually the squareroot of x.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I'm not sure I understand your question. Do you mean the rule for things like this?

8^8/8

When you have numbers instead of variables, it is often easiest to simplify. In this example, 8/8 = 1, so the problem becomes

8¹

= 8

Here are some general exponent rules that might help you:

(a^x)^y=a^xy

For example;

(3²)⁵ = 3^2•5=3¹⁰

Here are some other general rules with numeric examples:

a^xa^y = a^x+y

5⁷5² = 5⁷⁺² = 5¹⁰

1/a^x=a^-x

1/3² = 3^-2

a^x/a^y = a^x-y

6⁴/6³ = 6^4-3 = 6¹ = 6

If this doesn't help you with your question, perhaps you could try to ask it in a different way using the add comment button.