Algebra I

If two numbers are being divided and have the same base, we can combine the bases and subtract the exponents. It's essentially the same idea as the additive property of exponents, we just turn it into a subtraction rule. Let's take a look. If two numbers have the same base, and you divide the bases, you can subtract the exponents. Let's take a look.

A lot of good math students get tripped up on this. They remember the rule about multiplying and adding the exponents but forget this one. Just do one step at a time. If you fully understand each step, then even complicated math problems become just a series of steps.