Chapter 7: Problem 29
Rational Exponents Write an equivalent expression using radical notation and, if possible, simplify. $$125^{4 / 3}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
625
Step by step solution
01
- Convert to Radical Notation
To convert a rational exponent into radical notation, rewrite the expression using the property \(a^{m/n} = \sqrt[n]{a^{m}}\). In this case, rewrite \(125^{4/3}\) as \((125^{4})^{1/3}\) which is \sqrt[3]{125^4}\.
02
- Simplify the Radical Expression
Recognize that \(125 = 5^3\). Substituting this into our expression, we have \(\root[3]{(5^3)^4}\). Simplify the exponent inside the radical: \( (5^3)^4 = 5^{12} \).
03
- Simplify Further Under the Radical
Applying the property of exponents, we get \(\root[3]{5^{12}} = 5^{12/3} = 5^4\). Calculate \(5^4\) to find the final simplified result.
04
- Calculate the Power
Finally, compute \(5^4 = 5 \times 5 \times 5 \times 5 = 625\). Therefore, the radical expression for \(125^{4/3}\) is simplified to 625.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radical Notation
Radical notation is a way to represent the root of a number. For instance, the square root of a number is written using a radical symbol (√). When you see \(\root[n]{a}\), this means the n-th root of a. Radical notation is especially useful when working with rational exponents. When converting rational exponents to radical notation, use the property: \({a^{m/n} = \root[n]{a^m}}\). This means you take the n-th root of the base raised to the m-th power. For example, converting \({125^{4/3}}\) to radical notation gives us \(\root[3]{125^4}\). This means we're taking the cube root of 125 raised to the 4th power.
Exponent Properties
Understanding exponent properties makes complex expressions a lot easier to handle. Some of the main properties you should be familiar with include:
- Product of Powers: When multiplying like bases, add the exponents. \({a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}}\).
- Power of a Power: When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents. \({(a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}}\).
- Power of a Product: When raising a product to a power, apply the exponent to each factor. \({(ab)^n = a^n \times b^n}}\).
Simplifying Exponents
Simplifying exponents often involves breaking down the expressions using exponent properties. Take a step-by-step approach:
- Identify the base and the exponents.
- Apply known properties to simplify.
- Convert between different forms like from radical to rational notation.
Radicals
Radicals involve roots of numbers and are denoted using the radical symbol. Here are some key points:
- Square Roots: Often written as \(\sqrt{a}\), mean \(\root[2]{a}\).
- Cubic Roots: Written as \(\root[3]{a}\), meaning the number which, when cubed, gives 'a'.
- Higher-order Roots: Generalized as \(\root[n]{a}\).