Powers inequality proof

Question

I don't even understand what this proof is asking, let alone how to do it.
here it is:
Show that if $x>1$ is a real number and if $a<b$ are rational numbers, then $0\le x^a \le x^b$.
any hints or help would be awesome!

Answer 1

Hint

1. What does $a<b$ mean in terms of integers?
2. Recall the definition of $x^{p/q}$ where $p,q$ are integers.