2. Simplify the expression start fraction z superscript 8 baseline over z superscript 12 baseline end fraction.

Answer 1

Using the quotient rule of exponents, we can subtract the exponents in the numerator and denominator:

start fraction z superscript 8 baseline over z superscript 12 baseline end fraction = z^(8-12) = z^(-4) = 1/z^4

Therefore, the simplified expression is 1/z^4.