Dividing Monomials in Basic Algebra

Linking Dividing Monomials to Basic Arithmetic

Working with division in Arithmetic is a lot like division of monomials in Algebra. In arithmetic, you use your knowledge of factors to help you. Look at this example of division using factors. When you review the strategy you use in Arithmetic, algebra will make more sense. Simply show the factors, cancel out the factors (which is division) and you will be left with your solution. Follow the steps through to fully understand the sequence involved to divide monomials.

Dividing Monomials

Here's a basic monomial, notice that when you divide the monomial, you're dividing the numerical coefficients (the 24 and the 8) and you're dividing the literal coefficients (a and b).

Division of a Monomial Involving Exponents

Once again you divide the numerical and literal coefficients and you'll also divide the

variable factors by subtracting their exponents (5-2).

variable factors by subtracting their exponents (5-2).

Division of Monomials

Divide the numerical and literal coefficients, divide the like variable factors by subtracting the exponents and you're done!

Last Example

Divide the numerical and literal coefficients, divide the like variable factors by subtracting the exponents and you're done! You're now ready to try a few basic questions on your own. See the Algebra worksheets to the right of this example.