Example

Simplifying b12(b2)6\frac{b^{12}}{(b^2)^6} Using the Power, Quotient, and Zero Exponent Properties

Simplify b12(b2)6\frac{b^{12}}{(b^2)^6} by combining the Power Property, the Quotient Property, and the Zero Exponent rule.

Start with the expression b12(b2)6\frac{b^{12}}{(b^2)^6}.

  1. Apply the Power Property to the denominator. The denominator contains a power raised to a power: (b2)6(b^2)^6. Multiply the exponents: 26=122 \cdot 6 = 12, so (b2)6=b12(b^2)^6 = b^{12}. The expression becomes b12b12\frac{b^{12}}{b^{12}}.
  2. Apply the Quotient Property. Both the numerator and denominator share the base bb with equal exponents. Subtract: b12b12=b1212=b0\frac{b^{12}}{b^{12}} = b^{12-12} = b^0.
  3. Apply the Zero Exponent rule. Since b0b \neq 0, the Zero Exponent rule gives b0=1b^0 = 1.

The result is 11. This example demonstrates a situation where the Power Property produces equal exponents in the numerator and denominator, leading to a zero exponent. Recognizing that b0=1b^0 = 1 (not 00) is the key final step.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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