How to Divide Variables with Exponents

An exponent is the number in superscript on the right side of the variable. For example, x2, x is the variable and 2 is its exponent. To divide variables with exponents, all we need to do is to complete the subtraction of the exponents of the SAME VARIABLE, and the subtraction result will become the new exponent. For example:

x6 ` ``-:` x3 = x3                 

Here, the exponents are 6 and 3. We only have x as variable here, so by doing the subtraction 6-3 we get 3 as exponent.

This is same as x6` `` ` / x3 = x3           (Because devision can be expressed as fraction.)

What about x6 `-:` x3 `-:` y2?

Since x and y are different variables, we can't add up their exponents. So we only get x3 / y2.

  • Subject : Math
  • Topic : Algebra 1, Algebra 2
  • Posted By : Jason

Watch Our Demo