Divide Monomials

10.4 Divide Monomials

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Simplify expressions using the Quotient Property of Exponents
Simplify expressions with zero exponents
Simplify expressions using the Quotient to a Power Property
Simplify expressions by applying several properties
Divide monomials

Be Prepared 10.9

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Simplify: $\frac{8}{24} .$
If you missed the problem, review Example 4.19.

Be Prepared 10.10

Simplify: ${(2 m^{3})}^{5} .$
If you missed the problem, review Example 10.23.

Be Prepared 10.11

Simplify: $\frac{12 x^{}}{12 y} .$
If you missed the problem, review Example 4.23.

Simplify Expressions Using the Quotient Property of Exponents

Earlier in this chapter, we developed the properties of exponents for multiplication. We summarize these properties here.

Summary of Exponent Properties for Multiplication

If $a, b$ are real numbers and $m, n$ are whole numbers, then

\begin{matrix} Product Property & a^{m} \cdot a^{n} = a^{m + n} \\ Power Property & {(a^{m})}^{n} = a^{m \cdot n} \\ Product to a Power & {(a b)}^{m} = a^{m} b^{m} \end{matrix}

Now we will look at the exponent properties for division. A quick memory refresher may help before we get started. In Fractions you learned that fractions may be simplified by dividing out common factors from the numerator and denominator using the Equivalent Fractions Property. This property will also help us work with algebraic fractions—which are also quotients.

Equivalent Fractions Property

If $a, b, c$ are whole numbers where $b \neq 0, c \neq 0,$ then

\frac{a}{b} = \frac{a \cdot c}{b \cdot c} and \frac{a \cdot c}{b \cdot c} = \frac{a}{b}

As before, we'll try to discover a property by looking at some examples.

$\begin{matrix} Consider & \frac{x^{5}}{x^{2}} & and & \frac{x^{2}}{x^{3}} \\ What do they mean? & \frac{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x}{x \cdot x} & \frac{x \cdot x}{x \cdot x \cdot x} \\ Use the Equivalent Fractions Property. & \frac{x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x \cdot x}{x \cdot x \cdot 1} & \frac{x \cdot x \cdot 1}{x \cdot x \cdot x} \\ Simplify. & x^{3} & \frac{1}{x} \end{matrix}$

Notice that in each case the bases were the same and we subtracted the exponents.

When the larger exponent was in the numerator, we were left with factors in the numerator and $1$ in the denominator, which we simplified.
When the larger exponent was in the denominator, we were left with factors in the denominator, and $1$ in the numerator, which could not be simplified.

We write:

\begin{matrix} \frac{x^{5}}{x^{2}} & \frac{x^{2}}{x^{3}} \\ x^{5 - 2} & \frac{1}{x^{3 - 2}} \\ x^{3} & \frac{1}{x} \end{matrix}

Quotient Property of Exponents

If $a$ is a real number, $a \neq 0,$ and $m, n$ are whole numbers, then

\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{m - n}, m > n and \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = \frac{1}{a^{n - m}}, n > m

A couple of examples with numbers may help to verify this property.

\begin{matrix} \frac{3^{4}}{3^{2}} \overset{?}{=} 3^{4 - 2} & \frac{5^{2}}{5^{3}} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{5^{3 - 2}} \\ \frac{81}{9} \overset{?}{=} 3^{2} & \frac{25}{125} \overset{?}{=} \frac{1}{5^{1}} \\ 9 = 9 ✓ & \frac{1}{5} = \frac{1}{5} ✓ \end{matrix}

When we work with numbers and the exponent is less than or equal to $3,$ we will apply the exponent. When the exponent is greater than $3$ , we leave the answer in exponential form.

Example 10.45

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{x^{10}}{x^{8}}$
ⓑ $\frac{2^{9}}{2^{2}}$

Solution

To simplify an expression with a quotient, we need to first compare the exponents in the numerator and denominator.

ⓐ
Since 10 > 8, there are more factors of $x$ in the numerator.	$\frac{x^{10}}{x^{8}}$
Use the quotient property with $m > n, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{m - n}$ .
Simplify.	$x^{2}$

ⓑ
Since 9 > 2, there are more factors of 2 in the numerator.	$\frac{2^{9}}{2^{2}}$
Use the quotient property with $m > n, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{m - n} .$
Simplify.	$2^{7}$

Notice that when the larger exponent is in the numerator, we are left with factors in the numerator.

Try It 10.89

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{x^{12}}{x^{9}}$
ⓑ $\frac{7^{14}}{7^{5}}$

Try It 10.90

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{y^{23}}{y^{17}}$
ⓑ $\frac{8^{15}}{8^{7}}$

Example 10.46

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{b^{10}}{b^{15}}$
ⓑ $\frac{3^{3}}{3^{5}}$

Solution

To simplify an expression with a quotient, we need to first compare the exponents in the numerator and denominator.

ⓐ
Since 15 > 10, there are more factors of $b$ in the denominator.	$\frac{b^{10}}{b^{15}}$
Use the quotient property with $n > m, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = \frac{1}{a^{n - m}} .$	$A mathematical expression showing the fraction 1 over b raised to the power of 15 minus 10.$
Simplify.	$\frac{1}{b^{5}}$

ⓑ
Since 5 > 3, there are more factors of 3 in the denominator.	$\frac{3^{3}}{3^{5}}$
Use the quotient property with $n > m, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = \frac{1}{a^{n - m}} .$	$The fraction 1 over 3 raised to the power of (5-3). The numerator '1' and the exponent '5-3' are red, with the base '3' in black.$
Simplify.	$\frac{1}{3^{2}}$
Apply the exponent.	$\frac{1}{9}$

Notice that when the larger exponent is in the denominator, we are left with factors in the denominator and $1$ in the numerator.

Try It 10.91

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{x^{8}}{x^{15}}$
ⓑ $\frac{12^{11}}{12^{21}}$

Try It 10.92

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{m^{17}}{m^{26}}$
ⓑ $\frac{7^{8}}{7^{14}}$

Example 10.47

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{a^{5}}{a^{9}}$
ⓑ $\frac{x^{11}}{x^{7}}$

Solution

ⓐ
Since 9 > 5, there are more $a$ 's in the denominator and so we will end up with factors in the denominator.	$\frac{a^{5}}{a^{9}}$
Use the Quotient Property for $n > m, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = \frac{1}{a^{n - m}} .$	$The fraction 1 over 'a' raised to the power of (9 minus 5). The numerator '1' and the exponent '9-5' are highlighted in red, contrasting with the black 'a' and fraction bar.$
Simplify.	$\frac{1}{a^{4}}$

ⓑ
Notice there are more factors of $x$ in the numerator, since 11 > 7. So we will end up with factors in the numerator.	$\frac{x^{11}}{x^{7}}$
Use the Quotient Property for $m > n, \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{n - m} .$
Simplify.	$x^{4}$

Try It 10.93

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{b^{19}}{b^{11}}$
ⓑ $\frac{z^{5}}{z^{11}}$

Try It 10.94

Simplify:

ⓐ $\frac{p^{9}}{p^{17}}$
ⓑ $\frac{w^{13}}{w^{9}}$

Simplify Expressions with Zero Exponents

A special case of the Quotient Property is when the exponents of the numerator and denominator are equal, such as an expression like $\frac{a^{m}}{a^{m}} .$ From earlier work with fractions, we know that

\frac{2}{2} = 1 \frac{17}{17} = 1 \frac{−43}{−43} = 1

In words, a number divided by itself is $1 .$ So $\frac{x}{x} = 1,$ for any $x$ ( $x \neq 0$ ), since any number divided by itself is $1 .$

The Quotient Property of Exponents shows us how to simplify $\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}$ when $m > n$ and when $n < m$ by subtracting exponents. What if $m = n$ ?

Now we will simplify $\frac{a^{m}}{a^{m}}$ in two ways to lead us to the definition of the zero exponent.

Consider first $\frac{8}{8},$ which we know is $1 .$

	$\frac{8}{8} = 1$
Write 8 as $2^{3}$ .	$\frac{2^{3}}{2^{3}} = 1$
Subtract exponents.	$2^{3 - 3} = 1$
Simplify.	$2^{0} = 1$

This image demonstrates the proof that any non-zero number raised to the power of zero equals one (a^0 = 1), using both exponent rules and the cancellation of factors.

We see $\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}$ simplifies to a $a^{0}$ and to $1$ . So $a^{0} = 1$ .

Zero Exponent

If $a$ is a non-zero number, then $a^{0} = 1 .$

Any nonzero number raised to the zero power is $1 .$

In this text, we assume any variable that we raise to the zero power is not zero.

Example 10.48

Simplify:

ⓐ $12^{0}$
ⓑ $y^{0}$

Solution

The definition says any non-zero number raised to the zero power is $1 .$

ⓐ
	$12^{0}$
Use the definition of the zero exponent.	1

Illustrates the evaluation of 12^0 by applying the definition of the zero exponent, resulting in 1.

ⓑ
	$y^{0}$
Use the definition of the zero exponent.	1

This table illustrates the zero exponent rule, showing that y^0 simplifies to 1 based on its definition.

Try It 10.95

Simplify:

ⓐ $17^{0}$
ⓑ $m^{0}$

Try It 10.96

Simplify:

ⓐ $k^{0}$
ⓑ $29^{0}$

Now that we have defined the zero exponent, we can expand all the Properties of Exponents to include whole number exponents.

What about raising an expression to the zero power? Let's look at ${(2 x)}^{0} .$ We can use the product to a power rule to rewrite this expression.

	${(2 x)}^{0}$
Use the Product to a Power Rule.	$2^{0} x^{0}$
Use the Zero Exponent Property.	$1 \cdot 1$
Simplify.	1

Step-by-step simplification of the expression (2x)^0, demonstrating the application of product to a power and zero exponent rules to arrive at the final value of 1.

This tells us that any non-zero expression raised to the zero power is one.

Example 10.49

Simplify: ${(7 z)}^{0} .$

Solution

	${(7 z)}^{0}$
Use the definition of the zero exponent.	1

This table demonstrates the zero exponent rule, showing (7z)^0 evaluates to 1.

Try It 10.97

Simplify: ${(−4 y)}^{0} .$

Try It 10.98

Simplify: ${(\frac{2}{3} x)}^{0} .$

Example 10.50

Simplify:

ⓐ ${(−3 x^{2} y)}^{0}$
ⓑ $−3 x^{2} y^{0}$

Solution

ⓐ
The product is raised to the zero power.	${(−3 x^{2} y)}^{0}$
Use the definition of the zero exponent.	$1$

This table illustrates the simplification of an expression raised to the zero power, demonstrating the zero exponent rule.

ⓑ
Notice that only the variable $y$ is being raised to the zero power.	${−3 x^{2} y}^{0}$
Use the definition of the zero exponent.	$−3 x^{2} \cdot 1$
Simplify.	$−3 x^{2}$

Steps demonstrating the simplification of the algebraic expression -3x^2y^0 using the zero exponent rule.

Try It 10.99

Simplify:

ⓐ ${(7 x^{2} y)}^{0}$
ⓑ $7 x^{2} y^{0}$

Try It 10.100

Simplify:

ⓐ $−23 x^{2} y^{0}$
ⓑ ${(−23 x^{2} y)}^{0}$

Simplify Expressions Using the Quotient to a Power Property

Now we will look at an example that will lead us to the Quotient to a Power Property.

	${(\frac{x}{y})}^{3}$
This means	$\frac{x}{y} \cdot \frac{x}{y} \cdot \frac{x}{y}$
Multiply the fractions.	$\frac{x \cdot x \cdot x}{y \cdot y \cdot y}$
Write with exponents.	$\frac{x^{3}}{y^{3}}$

Demonstration of simplifying a quotient raised to a power, showing (x/y)^3 expands to x^3/y^3.

Notice that the exponent applies to both the numerator and the denominator.

We see that ${(\frac{x}{y})}^{3}$ is $\frac{x^{3}}{y^{3}} .$

$\begin{matrix} We write: & {(\frac{x}{y})}^{3} \\ \frac{x^{3}}{y^{3}} \end{matrix}$

This leads to the Quotient to a Power Property for Exponents.

Quotient to a Power Property of Exponents

If $a$ and $b$ are real numbers, $b \neq 0,$ and $m$ is a counting number, then

{(\frac{a}{b})}^{m} = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}

To raise a fraction to a power, raise the numerator and denominator to that power.

An example with numbers may help you understand this property:

\begin{matrix} {(\frac{2}{3})}^{3} & \overset{?}{=} & \frac{2^{3}}{3^{3}} \\ \frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{2}{3} \cdot \frac{2}{3} & \overset{?}{=} & \frac{8}{27} \\ \frac{8}{27} & = & \frac{8}{27} ✓ \end{matrix}

Example 10.51

Simplify:

ⓐ ${(\frac{5}{8})}^{2}$
ⓑ ${(\frac{x}{3})}^{4}$
ⓒ ${(\frac{y}{m})}^{3}$

Solution

ⓐ
	$The mathematical expression (5/8) squared, representing the fraction five-eighths raised to the power of two.$
Use the Quotient to a Power Property, ${(\frac{a}{b})}^{m} = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}$ .	$A mathematical fraction showing 5 squared divided by 8 squared, with the exponents '2' in red, highlighting the power to which both the numerator and denominator are raised.$
Simplify.	$A mathematical fraction displays 25 over 64, with the number 25 positioned above a horizontal division line and the number 64 below it, representing the ratio or division of 25 by 64.$

ⓑ

Use the Quotient to a Power Property, ${(\frac{a}{b})}^{m} = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}$ .	$A mathematical fraction featuring 'x' raised to the 4th power divided by '3' raised to the 4th power, with the exponent '4' colored red in both the numerator and denominator.$
Simplify.

ⓒ
	$A mathematical expression showing the fraction y over m, enclosed in parentheses, all raised to the power of 3.$
Raise the numerator and denominator to the third power.	$A mathematical fraction displaying y cubed divided by m cubed, with the exponents in red.$

Try It 10.101

Simplify:

ⓐ ${(\frac{7}{9})}^{2}$
ⓑ ${(\frac{y}{8})}^{3}$
ⓒ ${(\frac{p}{q})}^{6}$

Try It 10.102

Simplify:

ⓐ ${(\frac{1}{8})}^{2}$
ⓑ ${(\frac{−5}{m})}^{3}$
ⓒ ${(\frac{r}{s})}^{4}$

Simplify Expressions by Applying Several Properties

We'll now summarize all the properties of exponents so they are all together to refer to as we simplify expressions using several properties. Notice that they are now defined for whole number exponents.

Summary of Exponent Properties

If $a, b$ are real numbers and $m, n$ are whole numbers, then

\begin{matrix} Product Property & a^{m} \cdot a^{n} = a^{m + n} \\ Power Property & {(a^{m})}^{n} = a^{m \cdot n} \\ Product to a Power Property & {(a b)}^{m} = a^{m} b^{m} \\ Quotient Property & \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{m - n}, a \neq 0, m > n \\ \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = \frac{1}{a^{n - m}}, a \neq 0, n > m \\ Zero Exponent Definition & a^{0} = 1, a \neq 0 \\ Quotient to a Power Property & {(\frac{a}{b})}^{m} = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}, b \neq 0 \end{matrix}

Example 10.52

Simplify: $\frac{{(x^{2})}^{3}}{x^{5}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{{(x^{2})}^{3}}{x^{5}}$
Multiply the exponents in the numerator, using the Power Property.	$\frac{x^{6}}{x^{5}}$
Subtract the exponents.	$x$

Step-by-step simplification of a rational expression using exponent properties.

Try It 10.103

Simplify: $\frac{{(a^{4})}^{5}}{a^{9}} .$

Try It 10.104

Simplify: $\frac{{(b^{5})}^{6}}{b^{11}} .$

Example 10.53

Simplify: $\frac{m^{8}}{{(m^{2})}^{4}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{m^{8}}{{(m^{2})}^{4}}$
Multiply the exponents in the numerator, using the Power Property.	$\frac{m^{8}}{m^{8}}$
Subtract the exponents.	$m^{0}$
Zero power property	$1$

This table demonstrates the step-by-step simplification of the exponential expression m^8 / (m^2)^4 to 1, applying exponent properties.

Try It 10.105

Simplify: $\frac{k^{11}}{{(k^{3})}^{3}} .$

Try It 10.106

Simplify: $\frac{d^{23}}{{(d^{4})}^{6}} .$

Example 10.54

Simplify: ${(\frac{x^{7}}{x^{3}})}^{2} .$

Solution

	${(\frac{x^{7}}{x^{3}})}^{2}$
Remember parentheses come before exponents, and the bases are the same so we can simplify inside the parentheses. Subtract the exponents.	${(x^{7 - 3})}^{2}$
Simplify.	${(x^{4})}^{2}$
Multiply the exponents.	$x^{8}$

Step-by-step simplification of the algebraic expression (x^7/x^3)^2.

Try It 10.107

Simplify: ${(\frac{f^{14}}{f^{8}})}^{2} .$

Try It 10.108

Simplify: ${(\frac{b^{6}}{b^{11}})}^{2} .$

Example 10.55

Simplify: ${(\frac{p^{2}}{q^{5}})}^{3} .$

Solution

Here we cannot simplify inside the parentheses first, since the bases are not the same.

	${(\frac{p^{2}}{q^{5}})}^{3}$
Raise the numerator and denominator to the third power using the Quotient to a Power Property, ${(\frac{a}{b})}^{m} = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}$	$\frac{{(p^{2})}^{3}}{{(q^{5})}^{3}}$
Use the Power Property, ${(a^{m})}^{n} = a^{m \cdot n} .$	$\frac{p^{6}}{q^{15}}$

Steps to simplify a power of a quotient using exponent properties.

Try It 10.109

Simplify: ${(\frac{m^{3}}{n^{8}})}^{5} .$

Try It 10.110

Simplify: ${(\frac{t^{10}}{u^{7}})}^{2} .$

Example 10.56

Simplify: ${(\frac{2 x^{3}}{3 y})}^{4} .$

Solution

	${(\frac{2 x^{3}}{3 y})}^{4}$
Raise the numerator and denominator to the fourth power using the Quotient to a Power Property.	$\frac{{(2 x^{3})}^{4}}{{(3 y)}^{4}}$
Raise each factor to the fourth power, using the Power to a Power Property.	$\frac{2^{4} {(x^{3})}^{4}}{3^{4} y^{4}}$
Use the Power Property and simplify.	$\frac{16 x^{12}}{81 y^{4}}$

Step-by-step simplification of the algebraic expression (2x^3 / 3y)^4, demonstrating exponent properties.

Try It 10.111

Simplify: ${(\frac{5 b}{9 c^{3}})}^{2} .$

Try It 10.112

Simplify: ${(\frac{4 p^{4}}{7 q^{5}})}^{3} .$

Example 10.57

Simplify: $\frac{{(y^{2})}^{3} {(y^{2})}^{4}}{{(y^{5})}^{4}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{{(y^{2})}^{3} {(y^{2})}^{4}}{{(y^{5})}^{4}}$
Use the Power Property.	$\frac{(y^{6}) (y^{8})}{y^{20}}$
Add the exponents in the numerator, using the Product Property.	$\frac{y^{14}}{y^{20}}$
Use the Quotient Property.	$\frac{1}{y^{6}}$

Illustrates the step-by-step simplification of an algebraic expression by applying various properties of exponents.

Try It 10.113

Simplify: $\frac{{(y^{4})}^{4} {(y^{3})}^{5}}{{(y^{7})}^{6}} .$

Try It 10.114

Simplify: $\frac{{(3 x^{4})}^{2} {(x^{3})}^{4}}{{(x^{5})}^{3}} .$

We have now seen all the properties of exponents. We'll use them to divide monomials. Later, you'll use them to divide polynomials.

Example 10.58

Find the quotient: $56 x^{5} \div 7 x^{2} .$

Solution

	$56 x^{5} \div 7 x^{2}$
Rewrite as a fraction.	$\frac{56 x^{5}}{7 x^{2}}$
Use fraction multiplication to separate the number part from the variable part.	$\frac{56}{7} \cdot \frac{x^{5}}{x^{2}}$
Use the Quotient Property.	$8 x^{3}$

Steps for dividing the monomials 56x^5 by 7x^2, illustrating rewriting as a fraction, separating terms, and applying the Quotient Property.

Try It 10.115

Find the quotient: $63 x^{8} \div 9 x^{4} .$

Try It 10.116

Find the quotient: $96 y^{11} \div 6 y^{8} .$

When we divide monomials with more than one variable, we write one fraction for each variable.

Example 10.59

Find the quotient: $\frac{42 x^{2} y^{3}}{−7 x y^{5}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{42 x^{2} y^{3}}{−7 x y^{5}}$
Use fraction multiplication.	$\frac{42}{−7} \cdot \frac{x^{2}}{x} \cdot \frac{y^{3}}{y^{5}}$
Simplify and use the Quotient Property.	$−6 \cdot x \cdot \frac{1}{y^{2}}$
Multiply.	$- \frac{6 x}{y^{2}}$

Step-by-step simplification of a rational algebraic expression demonstrating the use of fraction multiplication and quotient property.

Try It 10.117

Find the quotient: $\frac{−84 x^{8} y^{3}}{7 x^{10} y^{2}} .$

Try It 10.118

Find the quotient: $\frac{−72 a^{4} b^{5}}{−8 a^{9} b^{5}} .$

Example 10.60

Find the quotient: $\frac{24 a^{5} b^{3}}{48 a b^{4}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{24 a^{5} b^{3}}{48 a b^{4}}$
Use fraction multiplication.	$\frac{24}{48} \cdot \frac{a^{5}}{a} \cdot \frac{b^{3}}{b^{4}}$
Simplify and use the Quotient Property.	$\frac{1}{2} \cdot a^{4} \cdot \frac{1}{b}$
Multiply.	$\frac{a^{4}}{2 b}$

Steps to simplify a rational algebraic expression using fraction multiplication and the quotient property.

Try It 10.119

Find the quotient: $\frac{16 a^{7} b^{6}}{24 a b^{8}} .$

Try It 10.120

Find the quotient: $\frac{27 p^{4} q^{7}}{−45 p^{12} q^{}} .$

Once you become familiar with the process and have practiced it step by step several times, you may be able to simplify a fraction in one step.

Example 10.61

Find the quotient: $\frac{14 x^{7} y^{12}}{21 x^{11} y^{6}} .$

Solution

	$\frac{14 x^{7} y^{12}}{21 x^{11} y^{6}}$
Simplify and use the Quotient Property.	$\frac{2 y^{6}}{3 x^{4}}$

Simplification of a rational algebraic expression using the Quotient Property.

Be very careful to simplify $\frac{14}{21}$ by dividing out a common factor, and to simplify the variables by subtracting their exponents.

Try It 10.121

Find the quotient: $\frac{28 x^{5} y^{14}}{49 x^{9} y^{12}} .$

Try It 10.122

Find the quotient: $\frac{30 m^{5} n^{11}}{48 m^{10} n^{14}} .$

In all examples so far, there was no work to do in the numerator or denominator before simplifying the fraction. In the next example, we'll first find the product of two monomials in the numerator before we simplify the fraction.

Example 10.62

Find the quotient: $\frac{(3 x^{3} y^{2}) (10 x^{2} y^{3})}{6 x^{4} y^{5}} .$

Solution

Remember, the fraction bar is a grouping symbol. We will simplify the numerator first.

	$\frac{(3 x^{3} y^{2}) (10 x^{2} y^{3})}{6 x^{4} y^{5}}$
Simplify the numerator.	$\frac{30 x^{5} y^{5}}{6 x^{4} y^{5}}$
Simplify, using the Quotient Rule.	$5 x$

Step-by-step simplification of a rational algebraic expression using exponent rules.

Try It 10.123

Find the quotient: $\frac{(3 x^{4} y^{5}) (8 x^{2} y^{5})}{12 x^{5} y^{8}} .$

Try It 10.124

Find the quotient: $\frac{(−6 a^{6} b^{9}) (−8 a^{5} b^{8})}{−12 a^{10} b^{12}} .$

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Section 10.4 Exercises

Practice Makes Perfect

Simplify Expressions Using the Quotient Property of Exponents

In the following exercises, simplify.

219.

$\frac{4^{8}}{4^{2}}$

220.

$\frac{3^{12}}{3^{4}}$

221.

$\frac{x^{12}}{x^{3}}$

222.

$\frac{u^{9}}{u^{3}}$

223.

$\frac{r^{5}}{r}$

224.

$\frac{y^{4}}{y}$

225.

$\frac{y^{4}}{y^{20}}$

226.

$\frac{x^{10}}{x^{30}}$

227.

$\frac{10^{3}}{10^{15}}$

228.

$\frac{r^{2}}{r^{8}}$

229.

$\frac{a}{a^{9}}$

230.

$\frac{2}{2^{5}}$

Simplify Expressions with Zero Exponents

In the following exercises, simplify.

231.

$5^{0}$

232.

$10^{0}$

233.

$a^{0}$

234.

$x^{0}$

235.

$- 7^{0}$

236.

$- 4^{0}$

237.

ⓐ ${(10 p)}^{0}$
ⓑ $10 p^{0}$

238.

ⓐ ${(3 a)}^{0}$
ⓑ $3 a^{0}$

239.

ⓐ ${(−27 x^{5} y)}^{0}$
ⓑ $−27 x^{5} y^{0}$

240.

ⓐ ${(−92 y^{8} z)}^{0}$
ⓑ $−92 y^{8} z^{0}$

241.

ⓐ $15^{0}$
ⓑ $15^{1}$

242.

ⓐ $- 6^{0}$
ⓑ $- 6^{1}$

243.

$2 \cdot x^{0} + 5 \cdot y^{0}$

244.

$8 \cdot m^{0} - 4 \cdot n^{0}$

Simplify Expressions Using the Quotient to a Power Property

In the following exercises, simplify.

245.

${(\frac{3}{2})}^{5}$

246.

${(\frac{4}{5})}^{3}$

247.

${(\frac{m}{6})}^{3}$

248.

${(\frac{p}{2})}^{5}$

249.

${(\frac{x}{y})}^{10}$

250.

${(\frac{a}{b})}^{8}$

251.

${(\frac{a}{3 b})}^{2}$

252.

${(\frac{2 x}{y})}^{4}$

Simplify Expressions by Applying Several Properties

In the following exercises, simplify.

253.

$\frac{{(x^{2})}^{4}}{x^{5}}$

254.

$\frac{{(y^{4})}^{3}}{y^{7}}$

255.

$\frac{{(u^{3})}^{4}}{u^{10}}$

256.

$\frac{{(y^{2})}^{5}}{y^{6}}$

257.

$\frac{y^{8}}{{(y^{5})}^{2}}$

258.

$\frac{p^{11}}{{(p^{5})}^{3}}$

259.

$\frac{r^{5}}{r^{4} \cdot r}$

260.

$\frac{a^{3} \cdot a^{4}}{a^{7}}$

261.

${(\frac{x^{2}}{x^{8}})}^{3}$

262.

${(\frac{u}{u^{10}})}^{2}$

263.

${(\frac{a^{4} \cdot a^{6}}{a^{3}})}^{2}$

264.

${(\frac{x^{3} \cdot x^{8}}{x^{4}})}^{3}$

265.

$\frac{{(y^{3})}^{5}}{{(y^{4})}^{3}}$

266.

$\frac{{(z^{6})}^{2}}{{(z^{2})}^{4}}$

267.

$\frac{{(x^{3})}^{6}}{{(x^{4})}^{7}}$

268.

$\frac{{(x^{4})}^{8}}{{(x^{5})}^{7}}$

269.

${(\frac{2 r^{3}}{5 s})}^{4}$

270.

${(\frac{3 m^{2}}{4 n})}^{3}$

271.

${(\frac{3 y^{2} \cdot y^{5}}{y^{15} \cdot y^{8}})}^{0}$

272.

${(\frac{15 z^{4} \cdot z^{9}}{0.3 z^{2}})}^{0}$

273.

$\frac{{(r^{2})}^{5} {(r^{4})}^{2}}{{(r^{3})}^{7}}$

274.

$\frac{{(p^{4})}^{2} {(p^{3})}^{5}}{{(p^{2})}^{9}}$

275.

$\frac{{(3 x^{4})}^{3} {(2 x^{3})}^{2}}{{(6 x^{5})}^{2}}$

276.

$\frac{{(−2 y^{3})}^{4} {(3 y^{4})}^{2}}{{(−6 y^{3})}^{2}}$

Divide Monomials

In the following exercises, divide the monomials.

277.

$48 b^{8} \div 6 b^{2}$

278.

$42 a^{14} \div 6 a^{2}$

279.

$36 x^{3} \div (−2 x^{9})$

280.

$20 u^{8} \div (−4 u^{6})$

281.

$\frac{18 x^{3}}{9 x^{2}}$

282.

$\frac{36 y^{9}}{4 y^{7}}$

283.

$\frac{−35 x^{7}}{−42 x^{13}}$

284.

$\frac{18 x^{5}}{−27 x^{9}}$

285.

$\frac{18 r^{5} s}{3 r^{3} s^{9}}$

286.

$\frac{24 p^{7} q}{6 p^{2} q^{5}}$

287.

$\frac{8 m n^{10}}{64 m n^{4}}$

288.

$\frac{10 a^{4} b}{50 a^{2} b^{6}}$

289.

$\frac{−12 x^{4} y^{9}}{15 x^{6} y^{3}}$

290.

$\frac{48 x^{11} y^{9} z^{3}}{36 x^{6} y^{8} z^{5}}$

291.

$\frac{64 x^{5} y^{9} z^{7}}{48 x^{7} y^{12} z^{6}}$

292.

$\frac{(10 u^{2} v) (4 u^{3} v^{6})}{5 u^{9} v^{2}}$

293.

$\frac{(6 m^{2} n) (5 m^{4} n^{3})}{3 m^{10} n^{2}}$

294.

$\frac{(6 a^{4} b^{3}) (4 a b^{5})}{(12 a^{8} b) (a^{3} b)}$

295.

$\frac{(4 u^{5} v^{4}) (15 u^{8} v)}{(12 u^{3} v) (u^{6} v)}$

Mixed Practice

296.

ⓐ $24 a^{5} + 2 a^{5}$
ⓑ $24 a^{5} - 2 a^{5}$
ⓓ $24 a^{5} \div 2 a^{5}$

297.

ⓐ $15 n^{10} + 3 n^{10}$
ⓑ $15 n^{10} - 3 n^{10}$
ⓓ $15 n^{10} \div 3 n^{10}$

298.

ⓐ $p^{4} \cdot p^{6}$
ⓑ ${(p^{4})}^{6}$

299.

ⓐ $q^{5} \cdot q^{3}$
ⓑ ${(q^{5})}^{3}$

300.

ⓐ $\frac{y^{3}}{y}$
ⓑ $\frac{y}{y^{3}}$

301.

ⓐ $\frac{z^{6}}{z^{5}}$
ⓑ $\frac{z^{5}}{z^{6}}$

302.

$(8 x^{5}) (9 x) \div 6 x^{3}$

303.

$(4 y) (12 y^{7}) \div 8 y^{2}$

304.

$\frac{27 a^{7}}{3 a^{3}} + \frac{54 a^{9}}{9 a^{5}}$

305.

$\frac{32 c^{11}}{4 c^{5}} + \frac{42 c^{9}}{6 c^{3}}$

306.

$\frac{32 y^{5}}{8 y^{2}} - \frac{60 y^{10}}{5 y^{7}}$

307.

$\frac{48 x^{6}}{6 x^{4}} - \frac{35 x^{9}}{7 x^{7}}$

308.

$\frac{63 r^{6} s^{3}}{9 r^{4} s^{2}} - \frac{72 r^{2} s^{2}}{6 s}$

309.

$\frac{56 y^{4} z^{5}}{7 y^{3} z^{3}} - \frac{45 y^{2} z^{2}}{5 y}$

Everyday Math

310.

Memory One megabyte is approximately $10^{6}$ bytes. One gigabyte is approximately $10^{9}$ bytes. How many megabytes are in one gigabyte?

311.

Memory One megabyte is approximately $10^{6}$ bytes. One terabyte is approximately $10^{12}$ bytes. How many megabytes are in one terabyte?

Writing Exercises

312.

Vic thinks the quotient $\frac{x^{20}}{x^{4}}$ simplifies to $x^{5} .$ What is wrong with his reasoning?

313.

Mai simplifies the quotient $\frac{y^{3}}{y}$ by writing $\frac{y^{3}}{y} = 3 .$ What is wrong with her reasoning?

314.

When Dimple simplified $- 3^{0}$ and ${(−3)}^{0}$ she got the same answer. Explain how using the Order of Operations correctly gives different answers.

315.

Roxie thinks $n^{0}$ simplifies to $0 .$ What would you say to convince Roxie she is wrong?

Self Check

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

A math self-assessment sheet listing various exponent properties and monomial division skills, with columns for students to rate their proficiency: Confidently, With some help, or No-I don't get it!.

ⓑ On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your mastery of this section in light of your responses on the checklist? How can you improve this?