Example

Simplifying b8b12\frac{b^8}{b^{12}} and 7375\frac{7^3}{7^5} Using the Quotient Property

Apply the Quotient Property for Exponents to simplify two quotients where the larger exponent is in the denominator — one with a variable base and one with a numerical base.

b8b12=1b4\frac{b^8}{b^{12}} = \frac{1}{b^4}: Both the numerator and denominator share the base bb. Because the denominator exponent 1212 is greater than the numerator exponent 88, there are more factors of bb on the bottom. Apply the n>mn > m case of the Quotient Property: b8b12=1b128=1b4\frac{b^8}{b^{12}} = \frac{1}{b^{12-8}} = \frac{1}{b^4}.

7375=149\frac{7^3}{7^5} = \frac{1}{49}: Both powers share the base 77. Because 5>35 > 3, the denominator has more factors of 77. Apply the Quotient Property: 7375=1753=172\frac{7^3}{7^5} = \frac{1}{7^{5-3}} = \frac{1}{7^2}. Evaluate the power: 72=497^2 = 49, giving 149\frac{1}{49}.

In both parts, the larger exponent appears in the denominator, so the simplified result is a fraction with 11 in the numerator and a power of the base in the denominator — the remaining factors stay below the fraction bar after cancellation. With a numerical base as in part (b), the final power can be evaluated to produce a purely numerical fraction.

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Updated 2026-04-29

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