Which of the following is the best immediate test to use in order to decide if the quotient rule can be applied?

• A. Apply the quotient rule whenever the exponents are whole numbers, no matter what the bases are.
• B. Convert all bases to decimals first, then compare their numerical values before using any exponent rules.
• C. Check whether the numerator and denominator have exactly the same nonzero base. If they do, you can subtract the exponents. Otherwise, convert the bases to a common base or expand and cancel.
• D. Apply the quotient rule when the exponents are equal, even if the bases are different.

Answer: (C)