Evaluate each expression. See Example 7. 16^1/4

Key Concepts

Exponents and Radicals

Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a number, while radicals are the inverse operation, indicating the root of a number. For example, an exponent of 1/4 indicates the fourth root. Understanding how to manipulate these forms is essential for evaluating expressions like 16^(1/4).

Properties of Exponents

The properties of exponents, such as the product of powers and power of a power, help simplify expressions involving exponents. For instance, when evaluating 16^(1/4), recognizing that 16 can be expressed as 2^4 allows for easier computation, as the fourth root of 2^4 is simply 2.

Evaluating Expressions

Evaluating expressions involves substituting values and performing arithmetic operations to find a numerical result. In the case of 16^(1/4), one must understand how to apply the rules of exponents and roots to arrive at the final answer, which is a fundamental skill in algebra.