SOLUTION: write in simplest form 48a^5b over 12ab^2

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Question 86525: write in simplest form
48a^5b
over
12ab^2
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the given expression

48a%5E5b%2F12ab%5E2

When you divide common bases with exponents, you subtract the exponents


48a%5E%285-1%29b%5E%281-2%29%2F12 Subtract the exponents (note: this eliminates the variables and exponents in the denominator)

48a%5E4b%5E-1%2F12


4a%5E4b%5E-1 Now divide 48 by 12 to get 4


Flip any negative exponents
4a%5E4%2Fb%5E1