Tuan simplified the following expression:

(b7)(b-3)/b2 (The 7,-3, and 2 are exponents.)

His final answer was in the form bn. If he simplified the expression correctly, what is the value of n, the exponent on b?

Question

Tuan simplified the following expression:

(b7)(b-3)/b2   (The 7,-3, and 2 are exponents.)


His final answer was in the form bn. If he simplified the expression correctly, what is the value of n, the exponent on b?

anonymous · Answer

When multiplying powers of the same base add the exponents; when dividing powers of the same base subtract the exponents.

zugzwang · Answer

Also keep in mind:
$$\frac{a + b}{c}=\frac{a}{c}+\frac{b}{c}$$

anonymous · Answer

How is that relevant here, @zugzwang ?

zugzwang · Answer

It isn't. I'm sorry, I forgot that -3 was also an exponent
MY BAD

anonymous · Answer

Ok, I thought there was something I was missing.
Thank you for the clarification.