Algebra & Expressions
Dividing Monomials
To divide monomials: divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents of matching variables.
Watch & Learn
Watch a clear, friendly video explanation of Dividing Monomials:
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Worked Examples
Follow along with these step-by-step examples. Take your time — there's no rush!
Problem
Divide: 12x⁵ ÷ 4x²
Step-by-Step Solution
Divide coefficients: 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
Subtract exponents: x⁵ ÷ x² = x^(5−2) = x³.
Answer
3x³
Problem
Divide: 20x⁴y³ ÷ 5x²y
Step-by-Step Solution
Divide coefficients: 20 ÷ 5 = 4.
Subtract x exponents: x⁴ ÷ x² = x².
Subtract y exponents: y³ ÷ y¹ = y².
Answer
4x²y²
Problem
Divide: −18a⁶ ÷ 3a²
Step-by-Step Solution
Divide coefficients: −18 ÷ 3 = −6.
Subtract exponents: a⁶ ÷ a² = a⁴.
Answer
−6a⁴
Problem
Divide: 24x⁵y³ ÷ 8x²y²
Step-by-Step Solution
Divide coefficients: 24 ÷ 8 = 3.
Subtract x exponents: x⁵ ÷ x² = x³.
Subtract y exponents: y³ ÷ y² = y¹ = y.
Answer
3x³y
Problem
Divide: 45a⁴b³ ÷ 9a⁴b
Step-by-Step Solution
Divide coefficients: 45 ÷ 9 = 5.
Subtract a exponents: a⁴ ÷ a⁴ = a⁰ = 1.
Subtract b exponents: b³ ÷ b¹ = b².
Answer
5b²
Your Turn — Practice Problems
Try all 5 problems on your own first. Write out your work — that's how it sticks!
💡 Tip: Don't peek at the answers until you've genuinely tried each one.
Divide: 15x⁴ ÷ 3x
Divide: 24y⁶ ÷ 6y²
Divide: 30x³y⁴ ÷ 5xy²
Divide: −16a⁵ ÷ 4a³
Divide: 36m⁴n³ ÷ 9m²n
Divide: 20x⁶ ÷ 4x²
Divide: −42a³b² ÷ 7ab
Divide: 18y⁵ ÷ (−3y²)
Divide: 50x⁴y³ ÷ 10x⁴y
Divide: 8a³ ÷ 8a³
Divide: −28m⁵ ÷ (−4m²)
Divide: 60x³y² ÷ 12xy²
Finished all 12? Give yourself a pat on the back — then check your work!
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