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How to Divide Fractional Exponential Functions

Mathematics is a core subject within early education and much of what is learned is used throughout life. A function is a mathematical construct that performs an operation on a given input, and generates an output. Exponential functions can be multiplied and divided, and there are rules that let you do this. Fractional exponential functions can be more tricky to divide, but by breaking down the problem into components, this can be achieved using common rules.

Things You'll Need

Paper
Pen

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the fractional exponential functions that need to be divided. For example, (1/4) exp(2x) and (1/2) exp(x)
- 2
  Separate each exponential function into components. In the example, the functions can be separated into the pre-factors and the exponentials:
  
  Pre-factors: (1/4) and (1/2)
  
  Exponentials: exp(2x) and exp(x)
- 3
  Divide one pre-factor by the other. Following the example, divide (1/4) by (1/2). If you divide (1/4) by (1/2), then the answer is (1*2) / (4*1) = 2/4 = 1/2 .
- 4
  Divide one exponential by the other. When one exponential is divided by the other, the exponents are subtracted. In the example, exp(2x) / exp(x) = exp(2x - x) = exp(x).
- 5
  Combine the answers from the two divisions. In the example, the answer is: (1/2) exp(x).

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