Question

Choose the correct simplification of the expression a^12b^8/a^2 b^4.

a)a^10b^4
b)a^6b^2
c)1/a^10b^4
d)1/a^14b^12

Answer 1

`\bf ~~~~~~~~~~~~\textit{negative exponents} \\\\ a^(-n) \implies \cfrac{1}{a^n} \qquad \qquad \cfrac{1}{a^n}\implies a^(-n) \qquad \qquad a^n\implies \cfrac{1}{a^(-n)} \\\\ -------------------------------\\\\ \cfrac{a^(12)b^8}{a^2b^4}\implies a^(12)a^(-2)b^8b^(-4)\implies a^(12-2)b^(8-4)\implies a^(10)b^4`