Using exponent rules for a quotient, how does (a/b)^n distribute the exponent?

Using exponent rules for a quotient, how does (a/b)^n distribute the exponent?

• A. Apply the exponent to both numerator and denominator
• B. Multiply the exponent by the numerator and denominator
• C. Apply exponent to numerator only
• D. Ignore exponent for division

Answer: (A)

Raising a fraction to the nth power means multiplying the fraction by itself n times. That process makes the top multiply with itself n times and the bottom multiply with itself n times, yielding a^n over b^n (with b not equal to zero). In other words, (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n. The exponent goes to both parts, not just the numerator, and it isn’t used to multiply the numerator and denominator by n or ignored.

Raising a fraction to the nth power means multiplying the fraction by itself n times. That process makes the top multiply with itself n times and the bottom multiply with itself n times, yielding a^n over b^n (with b not equal to zero). In other words, (a/b)^n = a^n / b^n. The exponent goes to both parts, not just the numerator, and it isn’t used to multiply the numerator and denominator by n or ignored.