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This follows directly from the law for multiplication. For instance (using the symbol "^" for power):

10^3 x 10^2 = 10^5

Here, the exponents are added. Rearranging the multiplication, you get a division:

10^5 / 10^3 = 10^2

(Just like 6 / 2 = 3 follows from the fact that 2 x 3 = 6, for example.)

As you can see, it is obvious that the exponents must be subtracted in this case. If you want the more general case, take any multiplication with exponents (using the same base):

x^a times x^b = x^(a+b)

Rearranging to form a division:

x^(a+b) / x^a = x^b

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Q: Why do you subtract the exponents when we divide terms with the same base?
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How do you divide a exponent?

If you have the same base on both of the exponents that you are dividing, all you have to do is subtract the exponent. For example if I have a problem like: 66/ 63, your answer will be 63.


How do you divide exponents of the same base?

By subtracting the two exponents from each other.NOTE: can only be done if the base is the same, like 23/21=22Also, make sure to subtract in the correct order, taking the top exponent and subtracting the one beneath it.


Why don't we change the exponents during like terms?

Exponents are higher in priority in terms of the order of operations, and do not combine in the same way as you would simple add/subtract/multiply/divide. So, if you have: 26 + 24 This is a polynomial in base 2 with different powers. It would be this in binary: 1010000 ...which would not be the same as 210: 1000000000 In order to be able to change exponents, you have to be multiplying factors using the same base, as in: 26 * 24 = 210 ...because the exponents are also indicating how many times you are multiplying each base by itself, and multiplication is the same as the basal function of the exponent (repeated multiplication).


How do you simplify exponents or powers in algebra?

When multiplying exponents with the same base add them: x^3*x^2 = x^5 When dividing exponents with the same base subtract them: x^3/x^2 = x^1 or x


What is the quotients rule of exponents in Algebra?

The quotient rule of exponents in Algebra states that dividing expressions with the same base you subtract the exponents. However, the base cannot be equal to zero.The above statement follows this rule in Algebra:xm/xn = xm-n;x cannot equal 0Here's an example:x15/x5 = x15-5 = x10

Related questions

How do you divide a exponent?

If you have the same base on both of the exponents that you are dividing, all you have to do is subtract the exponent. For example if I have a problem like: 66/ 63, your answer will be 63.


What is a rule that works for multiplying powers of the same base in exponents?

To multiply powers with the same base, you add the exponents. For example, 10^2 x 10^3 = 10^5. Similarly, to divide powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents. For example, 10^3 / 10^5 = 10^(-2).


When dividing two terms with the same base what do you do to the exponents?

You would subtract the exponents. For instance, when solving (x-3)5/(x-3)2, you would find an answer of (x-3)3.


When multiplying terms with the same base you do what to the exponents?

Sum the exponents.


How do you divide exponents of the same base?

By subtracting the two exponents from each other.NOTE: can only be done if the base is the same, like 23/21=22Also, make sure to subtract in the correct order, taking the top exponent and subtracting the one beneath it.


Can divide powers with the same base by subtracting the exponents?

Yes, you can subtract the exponents, for example 5^3/5^2 = 5^3-2 = 5^1 Thats the same as 125/25 = 5


Why don't we change the exponents during like terms?

Exponents are higher in priority in terms of the order of operations, and do not combine in the same way as you would simple add/subtract/multiply/divide. So, if you have: 26 + 24 This is a polynomial in base 2 with different powers. It would be this in binary: 1010000 ...which would not be the same as 210: 1000000000 In order to be able to change exponents, you have to be multiplying factors using the same base, as in: 26 * 24 = 210 ...because the exponents are also indicating how many times you are multiplying each base by itself, and multiplication is the same as the basal function of the exponent (repeated multiplication).


When dividing two numbers with the same base?

i guess u subtract the exponents


What is a to the third power over a to the second power in simplest form?

As long as they have the same base (in this case a), to divide you just subtract the exponents. a3 ÷ a2 = a(3-2) = a


How do you simplify exponents or powers in algebra?

When multiplying exponents with the same base add them: x^3*x^2 = x^5 When dividing exponents with the same base subtract them: x^3/x^2 = x^1 or x


What is the quotients rule of exponents in Algebra?

The quotient rule of exponents in Algebra states that dividing expressions with the same base you subtract the exponents. However, the base cannot be equal to zero.The above statement follows this rule in Algebra:xm/xn = xm-n;x cannot equal 0Here's an example:x15/x5 = x15-5 = x10


Why do you subtract exponents when they have the same base?

Because you have a small wenis and your brothers is biger so you cut urs off.