1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $\frac{a^2}{a}$.\n\n2. **Recall the rule:** When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: $$\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$$ where $a \neq 0$.\n\n3. **Apply the rule:** Here, $m=2$ and $n=1$, so $$\frac{a^2}{a} = a^{2-1} = a^1.$$\n\n4. **Simplify:** $a^1$ is simply $a$.\n\n**Final answer:** $$\frac{a^2}{a} = a.$$