Question

Multiply or divide as indicated simplify your answer if possible

Answer 1

Answer:

$x^{-13}$

Step-by-step explanation:

We are given the following expression and we are to determine whether it is to be multiplied or divided and perform that operation on it accordingly:

$\frac {x ^ {-8} } { x ^ 5}$

The given expression indicates that the two terms are to be divided and we know that when two terms with same bases are divided, their exponents are subtracted.

$x^{(-8)-5} = x^{-13}$

Therefore, the simplified answer is $x^{-13}$.

Answer 2

Answer:

$\frac{x^{-8}}{x^{5}}=x^{-13}$

Step-by-step explanation:

In division of powers with the same base, we must subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator:

$\frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}}=a^{m-n}$

Then applying this to the problem:

$\frac{x^{-8}}{x^{5}}=x^{-8-5}\\ \frac{x^{-8}}{x^{5}}=x^{-13}$