SOLUTION: ab^7 ------- a^4b^9 What steps do you take to solve this problem? Thank You

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: ab^7 ------- a^4b^9 What steps do you take to solve this problem? Thank You      Log On


   

Question 26201: ab^7
-------
a^4b^9
What steps do you take to solve this problem?
Thank You
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Subtract the exponents.
That means for the "a's" you have a/a^4 = 1/a^(4-1)=1/a^3
For the "b's" you have b^7/b^9 = 1/b^(9-7)=1/b^2
So, the solution is 1/[a^3b^2]
Cheers,
Stan H.