Quotients and Factoring
5-2Dividing Monomials
Overview
Divide coefficients and subtract exponents: a^m / a^n = a^(m−n).
Key ideas
- Keep base, subtract exponents.
- Reduce coefficient fractions.
- Recall a^0 = 1.
Worked examples
Example 1
Problem. x^7 / x^3
Solution. x^4
Example 2
Problem. (12a^5) / (4a^2)
Solution. 3a^3
Practice
Try each one. Click Show answer when ready.
- 1.
y^9 / y^4
- 2.
(20x^6) / (5x^2)
- 3.
(−18m^4) / (6m^4)
Challenge problems
A little tougher — great for test prep. Click Show answer when ready.
- 1.
Simplify (12x⁵y³)/(−8x²y⁵).
- 2.
Simplify (28a⁴b²)/(42a²b⁵).