Which expression is equivalent to x^9/x^3?

Step by step

The question

Question: which expression is equivalent to x⁹ over x³?

Equivalent means: the same value for every x.

There are four choices.

First we simplify it, the normal way.

Then we pick.

1 Take away the powers

The rule: when we divide the same letter, we take away the powers.

For x: 9 take away 3.

9 − 3 is 6.

So we get x⁶.

2 Pick the choice

Our answer is x⁶.

That is choice B.

3 Why not the others

A is x³.

Wrong: 9 ÷ 3: divided the powers; dividing takes them away.

C is x¹².

Wrong: 9 + 3: added the powers; dividing takes them away.

D is x²⁷.

Wrong: 9 × 3: multiplied the powers.

Let's look back.

First: take away the powers.

Then: pick the choice.

Last: why not the others.