How do you simplify #2^8/2^3#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-07-31T20:54:51

#(2^8)/(2^3) = color(blue)(32#

Simplifying this rational expression is straightforward since the bases are the same.

We follow the exponet rule:

#(x^a)/(x^b) = x^(a-b)#

So

#(2^8)/(2^3) = 2^(8-3) = 2^5 = color(blue)(ul(32#

Answer 2 · 2017-07-31T20:56:39

#32#

When dividing exponents with the same bases, subtract their powers.

#x^a/x^b=x^(a-b)#

So, #2^8/2^3=2^(8-3)=2^5 = 32#.

We can verify our answer by writing out the exponent and canceling:

#2^8/2^3 = (cancel(2)*cancel(2)*cancel(2)*2*2*2*2*2)/(cancel(2)*cancel(2)*cancel(2))= 2^5 =32#