Hey Guys,

I'm trying to figure out this bad boy. Any help?

I would simplify the left

(ma^4)^2

As

m^2 a^8

Then you have

(m^2 a^8) / (m^7 a^2)

Now you can subtract the exponents

a^(8-2) / m^(7-2)

= a^6 / m^5


There should be a giant box of exponent rules in your textbook or PowerPoint slides. Try using one rule at a time.

Ah, see I was doing 2-8 and 7-2. I'm not sure how I got turned around there. Thank you good sir.

How do you even know how to do that!

rules of exponents, multiplying exponents you add across, dividing, you subtract