Using the Quotient Rule, what is x^a / x^b equal to?

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Multiple Choice

Using the Quotient Rule, what is x^a / x^b equal to?

Explanation:
When two powers share the same base, dividing them means you subtract the exponents. Think of x^a / x^b as x^a times x^(-b). Multiplying powers with the same base adds their exponents, so a + (-b) = a - b. That gives x^(a - b). This is the quotient rule for exponents. (Note: x must be nonzero, and for real exponents you usually want x > 0 or integer exponents.)

When two powers share the same base, dividing them means you subtract the exponents. Think of x^a / x^b as x^a times x^(-b). Multiplying powers with the same base adds their exponents, so a + (-b) = a - b. That gives x^(a - b). This is the quotient rule for exponents. (Note: x must be nonzero, and for real exponents you usually want x > 0 or integer exponents.)

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