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

Question

options:

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, 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 different; if they are, 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.

Answer 1

The correct steps to follow 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.

Based on the options provided, the correct answer is the first option:

"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."