SOLUTION: I need to divide b^19/b^12 but do not understand how to do so.

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Question 411666: I need to divide b^19/b^12 but do not understand how to do so.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have to remind yourself what exponents are.
Try a simple problem first. I always use this method of attack
b%5E5%2Fb%5E2+=+%28b%2Ab%2Ab%2Ab%2Ab%29+%2F+%28b%2Ab%29+=+b%2Ab%2Ab
This tells me that b%5E5%2Fb%5E2+=+b%5E3, so just subtract the
bottom exponent from the top (or get a tired hand writing out 19 b's on
top and 12 b's on the bottom)
your problem:
b%5E19%2Fb%5E12+=+b%5E7
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What if the bigger number was on the bottom?
b%5E12%2Fb%5E19+=+1%2Fb%5E7
The result of the subtraction just ends up on the bottom
Hope this helps