Problem 49 - College Algebra Essentials

Question

Simplify each exponential expression. $$\frac{8 x^{20}}{2 x^{4}}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified expression is \(4x^{16}\).

Step 1: Divide the constants

First, divide the constants, 8 divided by 2, to get 4.

Step 2: Apply the rules of exponents

For any non-zero number, when you divide two powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents. Therefore \(x^{20} / x^{4}\) will give \(x^{16}\).

Step 3: Write the simplified expression

Combine the results from step 1 and step 2. The simplified form of the given expression is 4 * \(x^{16}\).