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When dividing exponents do you subtract them? Yes
When dividing exponents with like bases you subtract the exponents.
Also, when you have like bases you divide the coefficients, and subtract the exponents.
Dividing negative exponents
Dividing uses the same rules whether the exponents are positive or negative. If you are multiplying like bases then add the exponents. If you are dividing you subtract the exponents. Use your signed number rules for adding and subtracting, and remember to always write your final answer with positive exponents.
If you end up with a negative exponent you flip it to the opposite side of the fraction in order to create the reciprocal of the negative exponent. I always teach that if the negative exponent is downstairs you move it upstairs, and if the negative exponent is upstairs you move it downstairs.
Move the x^3 to the denominator (downstairs)
With parenthesis the exponent applies to
the coefficient and variable.
In the example above: The x^-3 moves downstairs, and the (2y)^-4 moves upstairs. Remember with parenthesis the exponent applies to the coefficient and variable.
Dividing exponents with different bases
You cannot combine exponents if the bases are different
Related websites/Dividing Exponents
Dividing Exponents/Rapid tables Nice basic explanation of dividing exponents with like bases,negative exponents,and exponents with fractions.
Dividing Exponents Game Cool Math has a game that generates practice problems for the division exponent rule and provides solutions
How to divide exponents
If you have like bases, you just subtract the exponents.
Subtract the exponent in the numerator from the exponent in denominator.
In the example below you would divide the coefficients, and subtract the exponents.
Because there is not a y in the numerator, the y remains in the denominator.
Because you have like bases you can just subtract the exponents.
You can subtract the exponents even if they are fractions.
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Rules for dividing exponents with like bases.
Applying the Rules for dividing Exponents
What about negative rational exponents?
In these two examples follow these rules:
Divide the coefficients, and subtract the exponents.
Apply the rules for exponents: Subtract the exponents, and divide the coefficients.
Using the rules for exponents you subtract the exponents and divide the coefficients. After subtracting exponents, if you have a negative exponent, flip the exponent in order to create a reciprocal of the negative exponent.
Subtract the exponents
Watch these two problems, and similar problems in the video here.
x^2
Create the reciprocal of the negative exponent by flipping the negative exponent to the opposite side of the fraction.
Simplify the fractional exponent. See the video for details on fractional exponents or rules for negative exponents.
Common Core Standard 8.EE.A.1 8th Grade Math
Divide the coefficients 12/3=4
Subtract the exponents 8-2=6
Subtract the exponents 3-1=2
