# Thread: Dividing powers with the same base

1. ## Dividing powers with the same base

I'm trying to do

$\frac{e^{-3.15x10^{18}}}{e^{-4.9x10^{17}}}$

Can I minus the powers so I get

$e^{-2.66x10^{18}}$

2. ## Re: Dividing powers with the same base

Originally Posted by Mukilab
I'm trying to do
$\frac{e^{-3.15x10^{18}}}{e^{-4.9x10^{17}}}$
Can I minus the powers so I get
$e^{-2.66x10^{18}}$
Yes you can. But what is $-3.15\cdot 10^{18}+4.9\cdot 10^{17}~?$

3. ## Re: Dividing powers with the same base

Yes, you can do this.

4. ## Re: Dividing powers with the same base

Originally Posted by Plato
Yes you can. But what is $-3.15\cdot 10^{18}+4.9\cdot 10^{17}~?$
It is $(-31.5+ 4.9)\cdot 10^{17}= -26.6 \cdot 10^{17}= -2.66 \cdot 10^{18}$ just as Mukilab had!

(However, Mukilab, "minus" is NOT a verb! Subtract the two.)

5. ## Re: Dividing powers with the same base

Originally Posted by HallsofIvy
It is $(-31.5+ 4.9)\cdot 10^{17}= -26.6 \cdot 10^{17}= -2.66 \cdot 10^{18}$ just as Mukilab had!

(However, Mukilab, "minus" is NOT a verb! Subtract the two.)
Haha thanks, I'll keep that in mind.