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 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.
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.

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.

Answer 1

The correct steps to follow 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 (leave as-is otherwise); and write the resulting expression in exponential form.

This is based on the Quotient Rule which states that for any non-zero number \( a \) and integers \( m \) and \( n \):

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

So, if the bases are the same, you can subtract the exponents. If the bases are different, you leave the expression as-is.