Which are the correct steps to follow to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents?(1 point)

Question

Responses

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

Answer 1

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

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 corresponds to the Quotient Rule, which states that for any non-zero number \( a \) and integers \( m \) and \( n \):

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

Thus, the steps involve ensuring the bases are the same, subtracting the exponents if they are, and writing the simplified expression.