- #1
DawnC
- 11
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When you divide a fraction, you minus the exponent - correct?
Example: x^9/x^4 you take the 9-5 = 5 so it would be x^5 -correc?
Example: x^9/x^4 you take the 9-5 = 5 so it would be x^5 -correc?
DawnC said:When you divide a fraction, you minus the exponent - correct?
When dividing fractions with exponents, the rule is to subtract the exponents of the numerator from the exponents of the denominator. For example, (a^3 / b^2) ÷ (a^2 / b^4) = (a^(3-2) / b^(2-4)) = (a^1 / b^-2) = (a / 1 / b^2) = (a / b^2).
The rule for dividing fractions with exponents is different from multiplying fractions because when dividing, we are essentially cancelling out the common factors between the numerator and denominator. This results in a subtraction of exponents. Whereas when multiplying, we are combining the exponents to represent repeated multiplication.
Yes, for example, (x^3 / y^2) ÷ (x^2 / y^4) = (x^(3-2) / y^(2-4)) = (x^1 / y^-2) = (x / 1 / y^2) = (x / y^2).
Yes, it is possible to divide fractions with negative exponents. The rule for dividing fractions with exponents still applies, regardless of whether the exponents are positive or negative. Just be sure to simplify the resulting fraction by moving the negative exponent to the opposite side of the fraction line.
Dividing fractions with exponents can be applied in various real-life situations, such as in cooking, where recipes may need to be adjusted to make smaller or larger servings. It can also be used in financial calculations, such as dividing investments or assets among multiple people. Additionally, it is useful in physics and engineering to calculate rates of change or quantities per unit.