Question

Which are the correct steps to follow to simplify an
exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of
Integer Exponents? (1 point)
Check if the bases are the same; if they are,
subtract the exponents of the numerator and
denominator (leave as-is otherwise); and write the
resulting expression in exponential form.
Check if the bases are different; if they are, subtract
the exponents of the numerator and denominator;
and write the resulting expression in exponential
form.
Check if the bases are the same; if they are, add the
exponents of the numerator and denominator (leave
as-is otherwise); and write the resulting expression
in exponential form.
Subtract the exponents of the numerator and
denominator; and write the resulting expression in
exponential form

Answer 1

The correct steps to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents are:

1. **Check if the bases are the same.**
2. **If they are, subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator.**
3. **Write the resulting expression in exponential form.**

So the first option you provided is the correct choice:

- **Check if the bases are the same; if they are, subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator (leave as-is otherwise); and write the resulting expression in exponential form.**

In summary, the Quotient Rule states that for any non-zero base \( a \) and exponents \( m \) and \( n \):

\[
\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}
\]

This applies only when the bases (in this case, \( a \)) are the same.