Chapter 5: Problem 16
Evaluate each expression. $$32^{1 / 5}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(32^{1/5}\) is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Radical Expression
The expression \(32^{1/5}\) is a radical expression. When you see a fractional exponent, the numerator indicates the power, and the denominator indicates the root. In this case, \(32^{1/5}\) means we need to find the 5th root of 32.
02
Express as a Root
Convert the expression \(32^{1/5}\) into radical form. This can be written as \(\sqrt[5]{32}\), which means we are looking for a number that, when raised to the power of 5, equals 32.
03
Calculate the 5th Root of 32
To find \(\sqrt[5]{32}\), try to estimate which integer raised to the fifth power equals 32. Check small whole numbers, starting from 1, and test until you find: \(2^5 = 32\). This confirms that the 5th root of 32 is 2.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Fractional Exponents
Fractional exponents can initially be a bit intimidating, but once you understand what they signify, they become manageable tools in algebra. A fractional exponent like \(a^{m/n}\) tells you two operations: the root and the power.
- The numerator \(m\) indicates the power to which the base \(a\) is raised.
- The denominator \(n\) tells you to find the \(n^{th}\) root of the base.
Roots
Roots are essential in simplifying algebraic expressions, especially with fractional exponents. When you are asked to calculate \(\sqrt[n]{a}\), it means you need to find a number that, when multiplied by itself "n" times, gives \(a\). This is called the \(n^{th}\) root.
In our example, \(\sqrt[5]{32}\) tells us to find a number \(x\) such that \(x^5 = 32\).
Roots come in various kinds:
In our example, \(\sqrt[5]{32}\) tells us to find a number \(x\) such that \(x^5 = 32\).
Roots come in various kinds:
- Square Roots: These have an index of 2 (often just written as \(\sqrt{a}\)), such as \(\sqrt{9} = 3\).
- Cubic Roots: These are the 3rd roots of a number, like \(\sqrt[3]{27} = 3\).
Integer Powers
Understanding integer powers is a key part of working with radical expressions and simplifies many mathematical operations. An integer power \(a^n\) involves multiplying the base \(a\) by itself \(n\) times.
For example, the expression \(2^5\) means you multiply 2 by itself 5 times, which results in \(32\). Breaking down, you do the following multiplications:
For example, the expression \(2^5\) means you multiply 2 by itself 5 times, which results in \(32\). Breaking down, you do the following multiplications:
- \(2 \times 2 = 4\)
- \(4 \times 2 = 8\)
- \(8 \times 2 = 16\)
- \(16 \times 2 = 32\)