Chapter 1: Problem 28
Evaluate each expression without using a calculator. $$ \left(\frac{16}{25}\right)^{3 / 2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \left( \frac{16}{25} \right)^{3/2} = \frac{64}{125} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Expression
The expression given is \( \left( \frac{16}{25} \right)^{3/2} \). This means we have to evaluate the fraction \( \frac{16}{25} \) raised to the 3/2 power.
02
Apply the Fractional Exponent Rule
Fractional exponents can be rewritten as roots. Specifically, \( x^{m/n} = (\sqrt[n]{x})^m \). Thus, \( \left( \frac{16}{25} \right)^{3/2} \) becomes \( \left( \sqrt{\frac{16}{25}} \right)^3 \).
03
Simplify the Square Root
Calculate the square root of the fraction: \( \sqrt{\frac{16}{25}} = \frac{\sqrt{16}}{\sqrt{25}} \). This equals \( \frac{4}{5} \), since \( \sqrt{16} = 4 \) and \( \sqrt{25} = 5 \).
04
Raise to the Power of 3
Now, raise the result from the previous step to the power of 3: \( \left( \frac{4}{5} \right)^3 = \frac{4^3}{5^3} = \frac{64}{125} \).
05
Final Evaluation
The simplified result of the expression \( \left( \frac{16}{25} \right)^{3/2} \) is \( \frac{64}{125} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponentiation
Exponentiation is a fundamental mathematical operation that involves raising a number, known as the base, to the power of an exponent. This operation is denoted as \( a^b \), where \( a \) is the base and \( b \) is the exponent.
- If \( b \) is a positive integer, the operation implies multiplying the base \( a \), \( b \) times.
- If \( b \) is a fraction, it indicates a combination of rooting and raising to a power.
Radicals and Roots
When dealing with fractional exponents, knowing how to work with radicals and roots is essential. A radical expression typically uses the square root symbol \( \sqrt{} \), but can also involve cube roots \( \sqrt[3]{} \), fourth roots, and so on.
- A square root is essentially finding a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives back the original number. For instance, \( \sqrt{16} = 4 \) because \( 4 \times 4 = 16 \).
- When applying the radical to a fraction like \( \frac{16}{25} \), we treat the numerator and denominator separately: \( \sqrt{\frac{16}{25}} = \frac{\sqrt{16}}{\sqrt{25}} = \frac{4}{5} \).
Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions is an important skill when evaluating mathematical expressions. A simplified fraction is one where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
Simplifying properly ensures clarity and accuracy in problem-solving, particularly when combined with other operations such as exponentiation and rooting.
- To simplify, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF).
- In terms of exponential expressions, raising a fraction to a power involves exponentiating both the numerator and the denominator independently.
Simplifying properly ensures clarity and accuracy in problem-solving, particularly when combined with other operations such as exponentiation and rooting.