# Math Help - Dividing powers with the same base?

1. ## Dividing powers with the same base?

I wasn't sure exactly were to post this because its actually apart of a logarithm i'm trying to do,

The bit thats troubling me is I have to divide
7z^3 by z^2

(I just using ^ for a 'power of' symbol)

Now I know when dividing powers of the same base you simple take them away from each other e.g. 3 - 2
But the fact that the first number is 7z and the second is just z are they still the same base? can I apply this theory?

Help greatly appreciated, got an exam next Monday >_<

2. Originally Posted by darigan
I wasn't sure exactly were to post this because its actually apart of a logarithm i'm trying to do,

The bit thats troubling me is I have to divide
7z^3 by z^2

(I just using ^ for a 'power of' symbol)

Now I know when dividing powers of the same base you simple take them away from each other e.g. 3 - 2
But the fact that the first number is 7z and the second is just z are they still the same base? can I apply this theory?

Help greatly appreciated, got an exam next Monday >_<
Keep the same base and subtract the exponents.

3. ## so is this correct?

7z^3 Divided by z^2

= 7z^1

= 7z

Ans 7z

so is that correct?

4. Yes, that's correct. Think about it this way:

(7z^3) / (z^2) = 7 * ((z^3) / (z^2)) = 7z.

In general (a*z^n) / (b*z^m) = (a / b) * z^(n-m).

5. Originally Posted by darigan
7z^3 Divided by z^2

= 7z^1

= 7z

Ans 7z

so is that correct?
Yes, good work.

Nice One