I need help figuring out this problem. I would prefer an example of it so I can solve the problem myself. thanks -18x^2y^4 over 6x^7y^2

Question

I need help figuring out this problem. I would prefer an example of it so I can solve the problem myself. thanks  -18x^2y^4 over 6x^7y^2

anonymous · Answer

You need to use the law of exponents here.  When you have $$\frac{x^b}{x^a}=x^{b-a}$$

anonymous · Answer

what would this look like in your problem?

anonymous · Answer

So do I just add the exponents together

anonymous · Answer

no.  you are not multiplying, you are dividing.  When you divide you subtract the exponents of like bases.

anonymous · Answer

Ok. so I would -18x^2 from 6x^7 correct?

anonymous · Answer

yeah.  the coefficients -18 and 6 are easy, you take care of them like any other division -18/6=-3
Then you take care of the exponents of like bases.

anonymous · Answer

Ok, so it would be -3x^-5y^2 as my answer?

anonymous · Answer

yep :)  and it is important to recognize that this answer can also be written as $$\frac{-3y^2}{x^5}$$

anonymous · Answer

but I prefer the way you wrote it

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much.

anonymous · Answer

np, dont forget to medal me to close the question :)

amistre64 · Answer

medaling doesnt close a question; the close button closes a question