College Algebra Tutorial 5

College Algebra
Tutorial 5: Rational Exponents

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Learning Objectives

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After completing this tutorial, you should be able to:

Rewrite a rational exponent in radical notation.
Simplify an expression that contains a rational exponent.
Use rational exponents to simplify a radical expression.

Introduction

In this tutorial we are going to combine two ideas that have been discussed in earlier tutorials: exponents and radicals. We will look at how to rewrite, simplify and evaluate these expressions that contain rational exponents. What it boils down to is if you have a denominator in your exponent, it is your index or root number.

So, if you need to, review radicals covered in Tutorial 4: Radicals. Also, since we are working with fractional exponents and they follow the exact same rules as integer exponents, you will need to be familiar with adding, subtracting, and multiplying them. If you feel that you need a review, click on review of fractions. To review exponents, you can go to Tutorial 2: Integer Exponents. Let's move onto rational exponents and roots.

Tutorial

Rational Exponents and Roots

If x is positive, p and q are integers and q is positive,

In other words, when you have a rational exponent, the denominator of that exponent is your index or root number and the numerator of the exponent is the exponential part.

I have found it easier to think of it in two parts. Find the root part first and then take it to the exponential part if possible. It makes the numbers a lot easier to work with.

Radical exponents follow the exact same exponent rules as discussed in Tutorial 2: Integer Exponents. In that tutorial we only dealt with integers, but you can extend those rules to rational exponents.

Here is a quick review of those exponential rules:

Review of Exponential Rules

exponent quotient

notebook Example 1: Evaluate .

*Rewrite exponent 1/2 as a square root

We are looking for the square root of 49 raised to the 1 power, which is the same as just saying the square root of 49.

If your exponent's numerator is 1, you are basically just looking for the root (the denominator's exponent).

Our answer is 7 since the square root of 49 is 7.

notebook Example 2: Evaluate .

*Rewrite exponent 2/3 as a cube root being squared

*Cube root of -125 = -5

In this problem we are looking for the cube root of -125 squared. Again, I think it is easier to do the root part first if possible. The numbers will be easier to work with.

The cube root of -125 is -5 and (-5) squared is 25.

notebook Example 3: Evaluate ex3a .

*Rewrite as recip. of base raised to pos. exp.
*DO NOT take the reciprocal of the exponent, only the base

*Rewrite exponent 3/2 as a square root being cubed

*Square root of 49/36 = 7/6

In this problem we have a negative exponent to start with. That means we need to take the reciprocal of the base. Note that we DO NOT take the reciprocal of the exponent, only the base.

From there we are looking for the square root of 49/36 cubed. Again, I think it is easier to do the root part first if possible. The numbers will be easier to work with.

The square root of 49/36 is 7/6 and 7/6 cubed is 343/216.

notebook Example 4: Simplify .

* Multiply like bases, add. exp

notebook Example 5: Simplify ex5a .

*Raise a base to two exponents, mult. exp.

*Rewrite as recip. of base raised to pos. exp.

*Cube root of 8 = 2

notebook Example 6: Simplify .

* Divide like bases, sub. exp

notebook Example 7: Simplify by reducing the index of the radical. x represents positive real numbers.

*Rewrite tenth root of x squared as x to the 2/10 power

*Simplify exponent
*Rewrite exponent 1/5 as a fifth root

Practice Problems

These are practice problems to help bring you to the next level. It will allow you to check and see if you have an understanding of these types of problems. Math works just like anything else, if you want to get good at it, then you need to practice it. Even the best athletes and musicians had help along the way and lots of practice, practice, practice, to get good at their sport or instrument. In fact there is no such thing as too much practice.

To get the most out of these, you should work the problem out on your own and then check your answer by clicking on the link for the answer/discussion for that problem. At the link you will find the answer as well as any steps that went into finding that answer.

1a.

(answer/discussion to 1a)

1b.

(answer/discussion to 1b)

2a.

(answer/discussion to 2a)

2b.

(answer/discussion to 2b)

2c.

(answer/discussion to 2c)

3a.

(answer/discussion to 3a)

Need Extra Help on these Topics?

The following are webpages that can assist you in the topics that were covered on this page:

http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/int_algebra/int_alg_tut38_ratexp.htm
This webpage helps you with rational exponents.

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/exponent5.htm
This webpage assists you with rational exponents.

Go to Get Help Outside the Classroom found in Tutorial 1: How to Succeed in a Math Class for some more suggestions.

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra

Videos at this site were created and produced by Kim Seward and Virginia Williams Trice.
Last revised on Dec. 6, 2009 by Kim Seward.
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