Background Information
Monomials are algebraic expressions that consist of only one term. There will always be a set of numbers and variables with exponents over another set of numbers and variables with exponents. It will look like a fraction. First, you look at the numbers on both top and bottom. If they have a GCF, you divide them both by the GCF. This simplifies the numbers to the farthest they can be simplified. Next, you look at the variables and exponents. If a variable has a negative exponent, you have to flip it to the other side of the fraction. This will make the exponent positive. Once all the variables are in the right spot, you add like terms and that will be your final answer. If like terms with positive exponents end up on opposite sides of the fraction, you have to subtract the smaller exponent to the larger one.
Easy Ways To Remember
Put the equation in expanded form so subtraction is easier and whenever beginning the problem, always remember to look for negative exponents and flip it so it becomes positive.
Josh Soiro
Background Information
Monomials are algebraic expressions that consist of only one term. There will always be a set of numbers and variables with exponents over another set of numbers and variables with exponents. It will look like a fraction. First, you look at the numbers on both top and bottom. If they have a GCF, you divide them both by the GCF. This simplifies the numbers to the farthest they can be simplified. Next, you look at the variables and exponents. If a variable has a negative exponent, you have to flip it to the other side of the fraction. This will make the exponent positive. Once all the variables are in the right spot, you add like terms and that will be your final answer. If like terms with positive exponents end up on opposite sides of the fraction, you have to subtract the smaller exponent to the larger one.
Easy Ways To Remember
Put the equation in expanded form so subtraction is easier and whenever beginning the problem, always remember to look for negative exponents and flip it so it becomes positive.
Video
http://www.pascack.k12.nj.us/cms/lib5/NJ01000238/Centricity/Domain/87/Dividing%20Monomials%20josh%20and%20ali.mov
Tutorial Website
http://www.etap.org/demo/Algebra1/lesson6/instruction2tutor.html