Chapter 1: Problem 10
Simplify the expression, and rationalize the denominator when appropriate. $$\sqrt[4]{\left(-4 a^{3} b^{2} c\right)^{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(2a^{3/2}b c^{1/2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Apply the Power Rule
The expression \((-4a^3b^2c)^2\) can be simplified using the power rule: \[(xy)^n = x^n \cdot y^n\].Applying it here, we have: \[(-4)^2 \cdot (a^3)^2 \cdot (b^2)^2 \cdot c^2\].This results in the expression: \[16 \cdot a^6 \cdot b^4 \cdot c^2\].
02
Apply the Fourth Root
Now we simplify \(\sqrt[4]{16 \cdot a^6 \cdot b^4 \cdot c^2}\).The fourth root can be distributed as:\[\sqrt[4]{16} \cdot \sqrt[4]{a^6} \cdot \sqrt[4]{b^4} \cdot \sqrt[4]{c^2}\].
03
Simplify Each Component
Let's break down each component:- \(\sqrt[4]{16}\) simplifies to 2, since \(2^4 = 16\).- \(\sqrt[4]{a^6}\) can be rewritten as \((a^6)^{1/4} = a^{6/4} = a^{3/2}\).- \(\sqrt[4]{b^4}\) simplifies directly to \(b\).^4- \(\sqrt[4]{c^2}\) can be rewritten as \((c^2)^{1/4} = c^{1/2}\).
04
Write the Simplified Expression
Putting the simplified components back together, we get:\[2a^{3/2}b c^{1/2}\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Power Rule
When simplifying expressions involving exponents, the power rule is a handy tool. It tells us that
- \[(xy)^n = x^n \cdot y^n\]
- Meaning, when raising a product to a power, apply the exponent to each factor separately.
- This rule helps to break down complex expressions into more manageable parts, making computations easier.
- \[16 \cdot a^6 \cdot b^4 \cdot c^2\]
Fourth Root
The concept of a fourth root is quite straightforward but essential in various algebraic manipulations.
- A fourth root of a number \(x\) is a number that, when raised to the power of four, equals \(x\).
- You represent it as \(\sqrt[4]{x}\).
- The fourth root of 16 is 2, since \(2^4 = 16\).
- For \(a^6\), the fourth root involves managing exponents, specifically \[(a^6)^{1/4} = a^{6/4} = a^{3/2}\].
- For \(b^4\), the fourth root simplifies neatly to \(b\).
- For \(c^2\), consider \[(c^2)^{1/4} = c^{1/2}\].
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions is a fundamental aspect of algebra. It involves:
- Breaking down complicated expressions into simpler, more manageable parts.
- Ensuring each expression is written in its simplest form.
- This often requires operations like distributing powers, combining like terms, or factoring where possible.
- This results in the expression \[2a^{3/2}b c^{1/2}\], which is a simpler, more understandable version of the original complex expression.
Algebraic Manipulation
Algebraic manipulation allows us to transform expressions to suit different needs, such as simplifying, solving, or reformatting.
- The objective is often to make an equation or expression easier to understand or solve.
- Common techniques include using identities, removing parentheses, or distributing powers.
- In this exercise, we used several forms of manipulation: applying the power rule, finding roots, and simplifying the expression.