Chapter 1: Problem 23
Evaluate each expression without using a calculator. $$ (-8)^{2 / 3} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of
\((-8)^{2/3}\) is 4.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Expression
The expression \((-8)^{2/3}\) means that we need to raise -8 to the power of \(\frac{2}{3}\). This is a fractional exponent, which can be broken down into two parts: a cube root and a square.
02
Cube Root of -8
Find the cube root of -8. The cube root of a number \(x\) is another number \(y\) such that \(y^3 = x\). Since \((-2)^3 = -8\), the cube root of -8 is -2. Therefore, \((-8)^{1/3} = -2\).
03
Square the Cube Root Result
Now take the cube root result, which is -2, and raise it to the power of 2. So we need to calculate \((-2)^2\). Squaring -2 means multiplying -2 by itself: \[ (-2) \times (-2) = 4 \]
04
Combine the Results
The result of the expression \((-8)^{2/3}\) is 4 because we've calculated the cube root of -8 to be -2 and squaring it gives 4.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cube Roots
The cube root of a number is one of the essential algebraic operations, especially when dealing with fractional exponents. To find the cube root of a number like -8, we're looking for a number that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives us -8. In mathematical terms, if \( y^3 = x \), then \( y \) is the cube root of \( x \).
When dealing with negative numbers, it's important to remember that the cube root of a negative number will also be negative. This is because a negative number raised to an odd power (like 3) still results in a negative number. Therefore, the cube root of -8 is -2 because \((-2)^3 = -8\).
When dealing with negative numbers, it's important to remember that the cube root of a negative number will also be negative. This is because a negative number raised to an odd power (like 3) still results in a negative number. Therefore, the cube root of -8 is -2 because \((-2)^3 = -8\).
- Key Point: The cube root of -8 is -2.
- Understanding: We find -2 because it satisfies the equation \( (-2)^3 = -8 \).
- Conceptual Tip: Remember that only one cube root exists for any real number, unlike square roots, which can yield both positive and negative solutions.
Exponentiation
Exponentiation refers to raising a number to a power, essential in algebra for simplifying and solving expressions. A fractional exponent, like \( \frac{2}{3} \), implies a sequence of operations: first finding the root and then raising to a power, or vice versa. For example, with \((-8)^{2/3}\), you first find the cube root, then square the result.
Consider the fractional exponent formula, where \( x^{m/n} \), means taking the \( n \)-th root of \( x \) first, and then raising the result to the \( m \)-th power.
Consider the fractional exponent formula, where \( x^{m/n} \), means taking the \( n \)-th root of \( x \) first, and then raising the result to the \( m \)-th power.
- Example: For \((-8)^{2/3}\), the cube root of -8 is -2, and squaring this results in 4.
- Breaking It Down: First find the cube root \((-8)^{1/3} = -2\), then square it \((-2)^2 = 4\).
Algebraic Operations
Algebraic operations, including exponentiation, addition, subtraction, and roots, are foundational to solving and simplifying equations. Understanding these can significantly improve problem-solving skills.
The concept of fractional exponents mixes roots and powers, as seen in the example \((-8)^{2/3}\). It necessitates combining operations: first finding a root and then applying exponentiation.
The concept of fractional exponents mixes roots and powers, as seen in the example \((-8)^{2/3}\). It necessitates combining operations: first finding a root and then applying exponentiation.
- Step-by-Step: Evaluate by using algebraic operations in sequence: cube root first, then exponentiation.
- Importance: These operations allow us to manipulate equations and expressions to find solutions effortlessly.
- Tip: When evaluating fractional exponents, clearly separate the root and the exponent parts for clarity.