SOLUTION: Divide and simplify. a^2/a^15

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Divide and simplify. a^2/a^15       Log On


   

Question 132840: Divide and simplify.
a^2/a^15

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%5E2%29%2F%28a%5E15%29 Start with the given expression.


a%5E%282-15%29 Remember when you divide monomials, you subtract their corresponding exponents. For instance x%5E2%2Fx%5E3=x%5E%282-3%29=x%5E-1


a%5E-13 Simplify.


1%2Fa%5E13 Now rewrite a%5E-13 as 1%2Fa%5E13

--------------------------------------------
Answer:

So %28a%5E2%29%2F%28a%5E15%29 simplifies to 1%2Fa%5E13.

In other words, %28a%5E2%29%2F%28a%5E15%29=1%2Fa%5E13.