Dividing a^n by a^m with the same base results in the exponent being

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Multiple Choice

Dividing a^n by a^m with the same base results in the exponent being

Explanation:
When you divide expressions with the same base, you subtract the exponents. This comes from the rule a^n ÷ a^m = a^(n−m) because you can think of a^n as a^m times a^(n−m). Using the exponent rule a^n × a^(−m) = a^(n + (−m)) gives a^(n−m). For example, a^7 ÷ a^3 equals a^(7−3) = a^4. If the numerator’s exponent is smaller, like a^2 ÷ a^5, you get a^(2−5) = a^(−3) = 1/a^3. So the exponent is obtained by subtracting the bottom exponent from the top exponent.

When you divide expressions with the same base, you subtract the exponents. This comes from the rule a^n ÷ a^m = a^(n−m) because you can think of a^n as a^m times a^(n−m). Using the exponent rule a^n × a^(−m) = a^(n + (−m)) gives a^(n−m).

For example, a^7 ÷ a^3 equals a^(7−3) = a^4. If the numerator’s exponent is smaller, like a^2 ÷ a^5, you get a^(2−5) = a^(−3) = 1/a^3. So the exponent is obtained by subtracting the bottom exponent from the top exponent.

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