Example

Verifying 3432=32\frac{3^4}{3^2} = 3^2 and 5253=15\frac{5^2}{5^3} = \frac{1}{5} Using the Quotient Property

Verify the Quotient Property for Exponents with numerical bases by evaluating both sides independently and confirming they agree — one example for each case of the property.

3432=32\frac{3^4}{3^2} = 3^2 (larger exponent in numerator): Apply the Quotient Property by subtracting exponents: 3432=342=32\frac{3^4}{3^2} = 3^{4-2} = 3^2. Now evaluate both sides numerically: 34=813^4 = 81 and 32=93^2 = 9, so 819=9\frac{81}{9} = 9. The Quotient Property gives 32=93^2 = 9. Since both approaches yield 9, the property checks out ✓.

5253=15\frac{5^2}{5^3} = \frac{1}{5} (larger exponent in denominator): Apply the Quotient Property: 5253=1532=151=15\frac{5^2}{5^3} = \frac{1}{5^{3-2}} = \frac{1}{5^1} = \frac{1}{5}. Evaluate numerically: 52=255^2 = 25 and 53=1255^3 = 125, so 25125=15\frac{25}{125} = \frac{1}{5}. Both approaches give 15\frac{1}{5} ✓.

Part (a) confirms the m>nm > n case, where the result is a whole power of the base. Part (b) confirms the n>mn > m case, where the result is a fraction with 1 in the numerator and a power of the base in the denominator. Computing the actual values on each side and checking that they match provides concrete evidence that subtracting the exponents produces the correct answer.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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