1. Lesson 7-2 Dividing Monomials
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2. Some Specific Examples
Consider
Also
Can you think of a general rule?

3. 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

4. Fractions
Consider
Will this always happen?

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

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

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

8. Examples 1. 2.

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

10. 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.

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