Question

I WILL FAN AND MEDAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What is p^m ÷ p^n equal to?
A) p^m – n
B) p^m + n
C) p^m • n
D) p^m ÷ n

Answer 1

the law for dividing the same base is

\[x^a \div x^b = x^{a - b}~~~or~~~\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a - b}\]

Answer 2

so, when multiplying like bases, what do you do to the exponents?

Answer 3

Follow @campbell_s 's suggestion.

Answer 4

@Kpop4life123

Answer 5

Any idea?

Answer 6

You shouldn't memorize this so-called "law". It's not a law. It's just a natural consequence of extending the notation.

All exponents represent is a smaller way to write multiplication of a number by itself. Once you get used to this, then you see that it naturally extends to negative and fractional exponents.

Answer 7

\[x^3*x^2=(x*x*x)*(x*x)=x^5\]
Oh the rule is just adding,
\[x^nx^m=x^{n+m}\]

what if we have negatives? Play with it.

Answer 8

that is true, empty, we can prove it quite easily. :) But for some people, it is just easier to memorize things(especially if math is not their strong suit)

Answer 9

How do you know that rote memorization is best for this person if they have never even been shown that there's a way to figure it out simply and understand it?

Answer 10

p^(m-n)?

Answer 11

@Kpop4life123 Correct according to Campbell's exponent rule.

Answer 12

well it also happens to be given on most formula sheets in the US. Empty, but I was just answering why someone memorizes the formula. Anyways, wanna prove it for kicks and giggles?

Answer 13

also, if people don't get the concept of multiplication just being shorthand for addition-which many many many unfortunately never do- the whole exponents thing is incomprehensible.

Answer 14

why do u make stuff so difficult

Answer 15

That was not making it difficult. I was just going to have you relate the skill for multiplying to deduce what the rule is for dividing.