Chapter 10: Problem 43
Simplify. See Examples 3 and 4 $$ \sqrt[4]{a^{8} b^{7}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \( a^2 b \sqrt[4]{b^3} \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Parts of the Expression
The expression under consideration is the fourth root of the product of powers: \( \sqrt[4]{a^{8} b^{7}} \). This consists of two parts under the root: \( a^8 \) and \( b^7 \).
02
Apply the Root to Each Part Separately
To simplify the expression, apply the fourth root separately to each component: \( \sqrt[4]{a^{8}} \) and \( \sqrt[4]{b^{7}} \).
03
Simplify \( \sqrt[4]{a^{8}} \)
Since 8 is a multiple of 4, simplify: \( \sqrt[4]{a^{8}} = a^{8/4} = a^2 \). Thus, it simplifies to \( a^2 \).
04
Simplify \( \sqrt[4]{b^{7}} \)
Since 7 is not a multiple of 4, break it into parts: \( \sqrt[4]{b^{7}} = \sqrt[4]{b^{4} \cdot b^{3}} = b^{4/4} \cdot \sqrt[4]{b^3} = b \cdot \sqrt[4]{b^{3}} \).
05
Combine the Simplified Parts
Now, combine the simplified parts: \( a^2 \cdot b \cdot \sqrt[4]{b^{3}} \). The expression \( \sqrt[4]{b^3} \) cannot be simplified further since 3 does not factor the root.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponents
Exponents are a way of expressing repeated multiplication of a number by itself. When you see a number or variable with a power, like \( a^8 \), it means that \( a \) is multiplied by itself 8 times. So, \( a^8 = a \times a \times a \times a \times a \times a \times a \times a \).
Understanding exponents is crucial when working with algebraic expressions, especially when simplifying radicals or roots. Here's what you need to know about exponents:
Understanding exponents is crucial when working with algebraic expressions, especially when simplifying radicals or roots. Here's what you need to know about exponents:
- If the exponent is 1, it means the value itself: \( x^1 = x \).
- If the exponent is 0, any value except 0 raised to the power of zero is 1: \( x^0 = 1 \).
- When multiplying with like bases, add the exponents: \( x^a \times x^b = x^{a+b} \).
- When dividing with like bases, subtract the exponents: \( x^a / x^b = x^{a-b} \).
- When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: \((x^a)^b = x^{a\times b} \).
Roots
Roots are the inverse operation of exponents. When you take a root, like the square root \( \sqrt{x} \) or fourth root \( \sqrt[4]{x} \), you're looking for a number that, when raised to the given power, equals \( x \). Roots help in simplifying higher power expressions.
Here's what to keep in mind about roots:
Here's what to keep in mind about roots:
- The square root of a number \( y \) is a number \( x \) such that \( x^2 = y \).
- The fourth root \( \sqrt[4]{y} \) finds a number \( x \) such that \( x^4 = y \).
- Taking a root is equivalent to raising a number to a fractional exponent: \( \sqrt[4]{y} = y^{1/4} \).
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are mathematical phrases that can include numbers, variables, and operations. In this context, simplifying algebraic expressions involving radicals and exponents is a key skill.
Some quick tips about algebraic expressions:
Some quick tips about algebraic expressions:
- Combine like terms, which are terms with the same variables to the same power.
- Use the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to simplify expressions correctly.
- Apply the properties of exponents and roots as discussed above when handling complex expressions.