What is the rule called when you distribute and exponent to the numerator and denominator of a fraction? (a/b) squared = a squared / b squared.

Question

Thanks for any help. I know it isn't the quotient rule.. but I think this rule does have a specific name.

Answer 1

You are just multiplying fractions
(a/b)^2 = (a/b)(a/b) = (a*a ) / (b*b) = a^2 / b^2

Answer 2

I know.. but I am looking for the name for that rule that basically says squaring the fraction (multiplying times itself) is the same as squaring each part. I am distributing the exponent to the numerator and to the denominator.

Maybe there isn't a name.. but I thought that there might be. Thanks.

Answer 3

Well I do not know it and Google does not know it :)

Answer 4

I don't know it either. Maybe it doesn't have a name. It does relate to a power to a power... multiply the two powers. If you think of the exponents as being 1. Then there are fractions involved. I am doing a proof and this is one step in the proof and I wanted the exact name. Thanks for helping. I bet there is no name.

Answer 5

I just found a very reliable source and it says... "power rule for quotients". Hopefully, that is right. Thanks again.

Answer 6

That sounds just fine :)

Answer 7

Thanks