Example

Simplifying 31032\frac{3^{10}}{3^2} Using the Quotient Property

Apply the Quotient Property for Exponents to simplify a quotient with a numerical base where the larger exponent is in the numerator.

To simplify 31032\frac{3^{10}}{3^2}, first compare the exponents. Both powers share the base 33. Because the numerator exponent 1010 is greater than the denominator exponent 22, the numerator has more factors of 33. Apply the m>nm > n case of the Quotient Property (aman=amn\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}) by subtracting the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: 31032=3102\frac{3^{10}}{3^2} = 3^{10-2}. This simplifies to 383^8.

Because the larger exponent is in the numerator, the remaining factors stay in the numerator after cancellation, resulting in a single power of the base.

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Updated 2026-05-25

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