What is the most efficient method for simplifying the expression x^8/x^3

Question

Since x^8=x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x and x^3=x*x*x , then
x^8/x^3=(x*x*x*x*x*x*x*x)/x*x*x=x^5

However, expansion is not efficient, especially for large exponents.

What can you do with the exponents to avoid expansion?

Answer 1

You can subtract the exponents when dividing powers with the same base. So, x^8/x^3 = x^(8-3) = x^5.