document.write( "Question 411666: I need to divide b^19/b^12 but do not understand how to do so. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #289312 by josmiceli(19441) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have to remind yourself what exponents are.
\n" ); document.write( "Try a simple problem first. I always use this method of attack
\n" ); document.write( " $\"b%5E5%2Fb%5E2+=+%28b%2Ab%2Ab%2Ab%2Ab%29+%2F+%28b%2Ab%29+=+b%2Ab%2Ab\"$
\n" ); document.write( "This tells me that $\"b%5E5%2Fb%5E2+=+b%5E3\"$ , so just subtract the
\n" ); document.write( "bottom exponent from the top (or get a tired hand writing out 19 b's on
\n" ); document.write( "top and 12 b's on the bottom)
\n" ); document.write( "your problem:
\n" ); document.write( " $\"b%5E19%2Fb%5E12+=+b%5E7\"$
\n" ); document.write( "---------------------
\n" ); document.write( "What if the bigger number was on the bottom?
\n" ); document.write( " $\"b%5E12%2Fb%5E19+=+1%2Fb%5E7\"$
\n" ); document.write( "The result of the subtraction just ends up on the bottom
\n" ); document.write( "Hope this helps \n" ); document.write( "

\n" );