Chapter 12: Problem 51
Evaluate each of the following. $$ 25^{1 / 2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \(25^{1/2}\) is 5.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
We need to evaluate the expression \( 25^{1/2} \). This requires finding the value of 25 raised to the power of \( \frac{1}{2} \).
02
Interpret the Exponent
The exponent \( \frac{1}{2} \) indicates a square root. Therefore, \( 25^{1/2} \) is equivalent to the square root of 25.
03
Calculate the Square Root
Identify the number that when multiplied by itself gives 25. The number 5 satisfies \( 5 \times 5 = 25 \). Thus, \( \sqrt{25} = 5 \).
04
Conclude the Evaluation
Therefore, \( 25^{1/2} = 5 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Root
The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In mathematical notation, the square root of 25 is written as \( \sqrt{25} \).
For example:
For example:
- The square root of 16 is 4, because \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \).
- The square root of 9 is 3, because \( 3 \times 3 = 9 \).
- Similarly, the square root of 25 is 5, because \( 5 \times 5 = 25 \).
Evaluating Expressions
Evaluating a mathematical expression means calculating its value. This involves replacing variables and constants with numbers, or completing operations as specified by the expression.
Take the expression \( 25^{1/2} \) for instance:
Take the expression \( 25^{1/2} \) for instance:
- This expression means that we need to find the square root of 25, as explained before.
- In this case, the evaluation involves recognizing that the exponent \( \frac{1}{2} \) refers to finding a square root.
- The calculation tells us that the expression evaluates to 5.
- Identify what each component of the expression signifies (such as exponents).
- Carry out the necessary operations in the correct order (like finding roots or powers).
Rational Exponents
Rational exponents are exponents that are fractions, such as \( \frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{3}, \frac{3}{4} \), and so on. These exponents indicate roots of numbers rather than traditional powers.
With rational exponents, the numerator usually denotes the power, and the denominator indicates the root. For instance:
With rational exponents, the numerator usually denotes the power, and the denominator indicates the root. For instance:
- \( a^{1/2} \) is equivalent to the square root of \( a \), written as \( \sqrt{a} \).
- \( a^{1/3} \) signifies the cube root of \( a \), or \( \sqrt[3]{a} \).
- \( a^{m/n} \) means that you take the \( n^{th} \) root of \( a \) and then raise the result to the \( m^{th} \) power.