Expert: Ahmed Salami - 3/5/2009

Question
what is the result if you divide -12x^8y^8 by 3x^4y^2=

I'd really appreciate it if you could answer this for me.. i have a calculator but i don't know how to use it . it is really confusing

Answer
Hi Heather,
x^n = x.x.x.x.......   (n times)
x^m = x.x.x.x.......   (m times)
So, (x^n)/(x^m) = x^(n-m)
This is the basis for our subsequent division.

-12x^8y^8 / 3x^4y^2
= (-12/3).(x^8/x^4).(y^8/y^2)
= -4.x^(8-4).y^(8-2)
= -4(x^4)(y^6)

Hope this helps.

Regards