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## Adorkable 4 years ago Dividing and Multiplying with like bases. If the variables are the same, but the coefficients are not. Does It still count as "Like Bases?"

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1. zbay

no

2. Mandolino

The variable bases are separate from numerical factors. Each number or variable is considered separately. So the answer is yes.

3. Adorkable

$2a ^{8}\times a ^{5}\times7a ^{2}$ So I can just add the exponents?

4. Mandolino

For example $12a^5b^3/(6a^2b^7)$ would simplify as $2a^3/b^4$The 12 and 6, the a's and b's are each simplified independently of the the others.

5. Mandolino

Yes. Multiply the 2*7=14, and add the exponents 8+5+7=20, thus the answer would be $14a^{20}$

6. Adorkable

You truly are a lifesaver. Thanks :)

7. Mandolino

Sorry! I misread the third exponent as the 7 instead of 2. The exponent would be 15.

8. Adorkable

Lol thanks just confirming.

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