College Algebra Tutorial 5


College Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice Problems
Tutorial 5: Rational Exponents

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 5: Rational Exponents


 

 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 1a

prob 1a
 

ad1a
*Rewrite exponent 1/2 as a square root

 
We are looking for the square root of 100 raised to the 1 power, which is the same as just saying the square root of 100. 

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

Our answer is 10 since the square root of 100 is 10.
 

(return to problem 1a)


 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 1b

prob 1b
 

ad1b

 

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

*Cube root of -1/64 = -1/4
 
 

 
 

In this problem we are looking for the cube root of -1/64 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 -1/64 is -4 and (-4) squared is 16.
 

(return to problem 1b)


 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 2a

prob 2a
 

ad2a
* Multiply like bases, add. exp
 
 
 

 
 

(return to problem 2a)


 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 2b

prob 2b
 

ad2b
*Raise a base to two exponents, mult. exp.
 
 
 
 
 

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

*Square root of 16 = 4
 
 

(return to problem 2b)


 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 2c

prob 2c
 

ad2c

 
 
 

* Divide like bases, sub. exp
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

 
 

(return to problem 2c)


 

Check markAnswer/Discussion to 3a

prob 3a
 

ad3a

*Rewrite fourth root of x to the sixth power as x to the 6/4 power

*Simplify exponent
*Rewrite exponent 3/2 as a square root of x cubed

 
 

(return to problem 3a)

 

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WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 5: Rational Exponents


Last revised on Dec. 6, 2009 by Kim Seward.
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