Lesson 7-2 Dividing Monomials p. 408

Some Specific Examples Consider Also Can you think of a general rule?

Quotient of Powers To divide two powers that have the same base, subtract the exponents For all integers m and n and any nonzero number a, Ex. Simplify , where Combine like bases Subtract exponents Simplify

Fractions Consider Will this always happen?

Example Simplify 1. Rewrite the expression so that each number or variable has the exponent 2. Simplify

Problems to Try Simplify, Assume all denominators are not zero. 1. 2.

The zero exponent Find Can equal two different things? So, Any nonzero number raised to the zero power is 1. For any number a,

Examples 1. 2.

Negative Exponents Find Can equal two different things? So, For any nonzero number a and any integer n, is the reciprocal of

Examples To simplify an expression, you must get rid of all negative exponents! 1. 1. Separate into fractions of like bases 2. Write reciprocals for negative exponents 3. Simplify 2.

Problems to Try Simplify, Assume all denominators are not zero. 1. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4.