The correct steps to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents are:
- Check if the bases are the same.
- If they are, subtract the exponents of the numerator and denominator.
- 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.