Example

Simplifying (y4)2y6\frac{(y^4)^2}{y^6} Using the Power and Quotient Properties

Simplify (y4)2y6\frac{(y^4)^2}{y^6} by combining the Power Property and the Quotient Property for Exponents.

Start with the expression (y4)2y6\frac{(y^4)^2}{y^6}.

  1. Apply the Power Property to the numerator. The numerator contains a power raised to a power: (y4)2(y^4)^2. Multiply the exponents: 42=84 \cdot 2 = 8, so (y4)2=y8(y^4)^2 = y^8. The expression becomes y8y6\frac{y^8}{y^6}.
  2. Apply the Quotient Property. Both the numerator and denominator share the base yy, and the numerator exponent 88 is greater than the denominator exponent 66. Subtract: y8y6=y86=y2\frac{y^8}{y^6} = y^{8-6} = y^2.

The result is y2y^2. This example illustrates a Power-then-Quotient sequence: first simplify any power-of-a-power expressions in the numerator or denominator, then apply the Quotient Property to the resulting single powers.

0

1

Updated 2026-04-21

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.6 Polynomials - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Related
Learn After