Chapter 7: Problem 29
Simplify. $$ \sqrt[5]{\frac{1}{32} w^{6} z^{7}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{w^{\frac{6}{5}} z^{\frac{7}{5}}}{2} \)
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite Inside the Radical
First, recognize that the expression inside the 5th root can be written using a combination of integer powers. Notice that \( \frac{1}{32} \) is the same as \( 2^{-5} \) because 32 is \( 2^5 \). So, rewrite the expression as follows:\[ \sqrt[5]{2^{-5} \cdot w^6 \cdot z^7} \]
02
Apply the 5th Root to Each Component
Since the 5th root of a product is equal to the product of the 5th roots, distribute the radical over each factor within the expression:\[ \sqrt[5]{2^{-5}} \cdot \sqrt[5]{w^6} \cdot \sqrt[5]{z^7} \]
03
Simplify Each Component Separately
Simplify each fifth root individually:1. \( \sqrt[5]{2^{-5}} = 2^{-1} = \frac{1}{2} \)2. \( \sqrt[5]{w^6} = w^{\frac{6}{5}} \)3. \( \sqrt[5]{z^7} = z^{\frac{7}{5}} \)
04
Combine the Simplified Terms
Combine the results from Step 3 to form the simplified expression:\[ \frac{1}{2} \cdot w^{\frac{6}{5}} \cdot z^{\frac{7}{5}} = \frac{w^{\frac{6}{5}} z^{\frac{7}{5}}}{2} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rational Exponents
Rational exponents are a way to express roots and powers using fractions. They are particularly useful when simplifying expressions with radicals.
- The base of the expression remains the same, and the exponent is written as a fraction.
- For example, the rational exponent notation for the nth root of a number is \( b^{\frac{1}{n}} \), where \( b \) is the base.
nth Root
The nth root is a concept where you determine what number, when raised to an nth power, equals the original number. This concept is critical in understanding how to work with radical expressions.
- The nth root of a number \( a \) is represented by \( \sqrt[n]{a} \) and is equal to the number \( b \), such that \( b^n = a \).
- If the number has an nth root that is an integer, simplifying becomes straightforward.
Fractional Exponents
Fractional exponents are a powerful tool in simplifying expressions that involve roots and powers. They provide an alternative format to radicals that is easier to manipulate mathematically.
- The numerator of a fractional exponent indicates the power to which the base is raised.
- The denominator represents the root that is being taken.
- The term \( \sqrt[5]{w^6} \) becomes \( w^{\frac{6}{5}} \), where 6 is the power and 5 is the root.
- Similarly, \( \sqrt[5]{z^7} \) turns into \( z^{\frac{7}{5}} \).
Simplification Process
The simplification process involves shrinking complex mathematical expressions into simpler forms while retaining their value. It relies heavily on the rules of exponents and roots.
- Start by converting parts of the expression into more manageable terms, such as using rational exponents.
- Then, determine how to distribute operations, like roots, to each part of the expression.
- Simplify each component individually and then combine them back together.