The correct steps to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents are as follows:
- Check if the bases are the same: This is a prerequisite for applying the Quotient Rule.
- If the bases are the same, subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator: The Quotient Rule states that \( \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \).
- Write the resulting expression in exponential form.
So the correct response would be:
- 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.