Chapter 10: Problem 38
Rewrite with a positive exponent and evaluate. \(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{-1 / 5}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{-1 / 5} = 2\)
Step by step solution
01
Apply Negative Exponent Rule
Recall that the negative exponent rule states that \(a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^{n}}\). In this case, we have \(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{-1/5}\). Applying the negative exponent rule, we have the following:
\[
\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{-1/5} = \frac{1}{\left(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{1/5}\right)}
\]
02
Apply Rational Exponent Rule
Now, apply the rational exponent rule, which states that \(a^{m/n} = \sqrt[n]{a^m}\). In this case, we have the following:
\[
\frac{1}{\left(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{1/5}\right)} = \frac{1}{\sqrt[5]{\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)}}
\]
03
Rewriting expression
Next, we will rewrite "\(\frac{1}{32}\)" as \(2^{-5}\) so that it's easier to evaluate:
\[
\frac{1}{\sqrt[5]{\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt[5]{(2^{-5})}}
\]
04
Evaluate 5th Root
Now, using the properties of exponents within a root, i.e., \(\sqrt[n]{a^m} = a^{\frac{m}{n}}\), we have:
\[
\frac{1}{\sqrt[5]{(2^{-5})}} =\frac{1}{2^{-1}}
\]
05
Apply Negative Exponent Rule Again
Once again, apply the negative exponent rule, which states that \(a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^{n}}\). In this case, we have the following:
\[
\frac{1}{2^{-1}} = 2^1
\]
06
Evaluate Result
Finally, we have reached an expression that can be easily evaluated:
\[
2^1 = 2
\]
So, \(\left(\frac{1}{32}\right)^{-1 / 5} = 2\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Rational Exponents
When you see an expression like \(a^{m/n}\), you're looking at a rational exponent. Rational exponents are a way to represent roots and powers in one expression. Here’s what each part means:
- \(m\) is the power (or the numerator of the exponent).
- \(n\) is the root (or the denominator of the exponent).
Mastering Exponent Rules
Exponent rules simplify the way we handle expressions involving powers. Here are some key rules to remember:
- Negative Exponent Rule: \(a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}\). This helps convert negative exponents into positive ones by creating a reciprocal.
- Product of Powers: \(a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}\). This combines similar bases.
- Power of a Power: \((a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}\). This multiplies the exponents.
Evaluating Roots
Root evaluation is a critical step when working with rational exponents. Here, we focus on how to compute different roots precisely.
- The \(n\)-th root of a number, \(\sqrt[n]{a}\), represents the number you multiply by itself \(n\) times to get \(a\).
- Taking a root is essentially reversing an exponentiation process.