Which are the correct steps to follow to simplify an

Question

exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of
Integer Exponents? (1 point)
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 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.
Subtract the exponents of the numerator and
denominator; and write the resulting expression in
exponential form

Answer 1

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

1. Check if the bases are the same.
2. If they are, subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator.
3. Write the resulting expression in exponential form.

So the first option you provided is the correct choice:

• 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.

In summary, the Quotient Rule states that for any non-zero base \( a \) and exponents \( m \) and \( n \):

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

This applies only when the bases (in this case, \( a \)) are the same.