Question

Which are the correct steps to follow to simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents?
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, 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.

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, add the exponents of the numerator and denominator (leave as-is otherwise); and write the resulting expression in exponential form.

Answer 1

To simplify an exponential expression using the Quotient Rule of Integer Exponents, you should follow these steps:

1. **Check if the bases are the same.** The Quotient Rule applies when you are dividing two exponents with the same base.
2. **If the bases are the same**, subtract the exponents of the numerator and the denominator. This is expressed mathematically as:
\[
\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}
\]
where \(a\) is the base, \(m\) is the exponent in the numerator, and \(n\) is the exponent in the denominator.
3. **Write the resulting expression in exponential form.**

So, the correct option 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.**