Identify the independent and dependent variables: The cost to gift wrap an order is $ 3 plus $1 per item wrapped

Consider this expression and the steps to evaluate it. 4^5(−2)^9/4^8(−2)^3 1. apply the quotient of powers:      (−2)^a/4^b 2. evaluate powers:           c/d select the value of each variable. a = _ b = _ c = _ d = _