1.5.2 Converting Rational Exponents and Radicals

Question 1

radical

Answer 1

the symbol (√ ) indicating you are to find a root. The desired root is indicated by the number written in the “v” of the sign. A radical with no number in the “v” is asking for a square root, or second root.

Question 2

Rational Exponents

Answer 2

The fraction exponent is the equivalent of the radical notation, a^m/n = (n√)^m. The denominator states the root of the base. The numerator indicates the power of the base.

Question 3

Taking roots of numbers

Answer 3

To find the root of a number, determine the number that originally multiplied with itself some number of times to give you the number being “rooted.” For example: 8^1/3 is asking: x · x · x = 8, what is x? The answer is 2, so the cube root of 8 is 2, 8^1/3 or = 2