Which are the correct steps to follow to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents?

Question

options:

A). 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.

B). 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.

C). 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.

D). Subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator; and write the resulting expression in exponential form.

Answer 1

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

A). 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.

This is because the Quotient Rule states that if you have a^m / a^n (where the bases are the same), you can simplify it to a^(m-n). If the bases are not the same, you do not apply the Quotient Rule and simply leave the expression as it is.