Can you subtract variables with different exponents

Louis, MO Subject optional. Email address: Your name:. Possible Answers:. Correct answer:. Explanation : When dividing terms with the same bases but different exponents, you will need to subtract all the pertinent exponents.

Thus resulting in:. Report an Error. Explanation : Begin by noting that the group 4 23 - 4 21 has a common factor, namely 4 Leave no negative exponents in the final answer. Explanation : The first step in the problem is to combine like terms in the numerator, remembering that : Next, we resolve the numerator, using and : Lastly, simplify the negative exponent using Thus,. Simplify to remove fractions:. Explanation : The first step is to simplify each fraction by dividing like terms, remembering that , to get: Next, combine using multiplication and the rule : Since the problem specifies that we must avoid fractions, we will not eliminate the negative exponents.

Explanation : When dividing exponential expressions with the same base, subtract the exponents. Possible Answers: A and C. Correct answer: B and C. Explanation : A is not equivalent because exponents in denominators mean subtraction of exponents and not division of them. Explanation : When two exponents with the same base are being divided, subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator to yield a new exponent. Copyright Notice. Chris Certified Tutor.

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John Douma John Douma 7, 2 2 gold badges 18 18 silver badges 24 24 bronze badges. Fly by Night Fly by Night It's a bit hard for me to imagine asking things about polynomials when you don't know about rings, especially if you mention certain algebraic properties. How to Divide Rational Numbers. How to Factor Monomials. How to Do Exponents Outside of the Parenthesis. Definition of Successor and Predecessor in Math.

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