Question

simplify.
\frac{b}{b^{3}}

Explanation:

Step1: Use exponent rule for division

When dividing exponents with the same base, we subtract the exponents: $a^m \div a^n = a^{m - n}$. Here, the base is $b$, so $\frac{b}{b^3}=b^{1 - 3}$.

Step2: Calculate the exponent

$1 - 3=-2$, so we have $b^{-2}$.

Step3: Rewrite negative exponent

A negative exponent means the reciprocal with a positive exponent: $b^{-2}=\frac{1}{b^2}$.

Answer:

$\frac{1}{b^2}$