(x^5y^8)/(x^3y^4)

= x^2/y^4

Subtract denominator exponents from numerator exponents of the same variable

To simplify the expression (x^5y^8)/(x^3y^4), we can apply the rules of exponents.

When dividing two terms with the same base, we subtract the exponents. In this case, we have x^5 divided by x^3, and y^8 divided by y^4.

For x, subtract the exponent 3 from the exponent 5. 5 - 3 = 2. So we have x^2.

For y, subtract the exponent 4 from the exponent 8. 8 - 4 = 4. So we have y^4.

Putting them together, the simplified expression is (x^2y^4).