Dividing and Multiplying with like bases. If the variables are the same, but the coefficients are not. Does It still count as "Like Bases?"

Question

anonymous · Answer

no

anonymous · Answer

The variable bases are separate from numerical factors.  Each number or variable is considered separately.  So the answer is yes.

anonymous · Answer

$$2a ^{8}\times a ^{5}\times7a ^{2}$$ So I can just add the exponents?

anonymous · Answer

For example $$12a^5b^3/(6a^2b^7)$$ would simplify as $$2a^3/b^4$$The 12 and 6, the a's and b's are each simplified independently of the the others.

anonymous · Answer

Yes.  Multiply the 2*7=14, and add the exponents 8+5+7=20, thus the answer would be  $$14a^{20}$$

anonymous · Answer

You truly are 
a lifesaver. Thanks :)

anonymous · Answer

Sorry!  I misread the third exponent as the 7 instead of 2.  The exponent would be 15.

anonymous · Answer

Lol thanks just confirming.