Simplify and express answers using positive exponents only. Variables are restricted to avoid division by 0 . \( \frac{x^{-10}}{x^{-8}} \) \( \frac{x^{-10}}{x^{-8}}=\square \) (Use positive exponents only.)

To simplify \( \frac{x^{-10}}{x^{-8}} \), you can use the quotient rule for exponents, which states that when you divide two powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents. So, \[ \frac{x^{-10}}{x^{-8}} = x^{-10 - (-8)} = x^{-10 + 8} = x^{-2}. \] Now, to express the answer using positive exponents only, rewrite it as \[ x^{-2} = \frac{1}{x^{2}}. \] Thus, \( \frac{x^{-10}}{x^{-8}} = \frac{1}{x^{2}} \).