Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Radical Expressions
Problem 11a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–20, use radical notation to rewrite each expression. Simplify, if possible. 81^3/2
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1
Identify the expression given: $81^{3/2}$.
Recognize that the expression is in the form of $a^{m/n}$, where $a = 81$, $m = 3$, and $n = 2$.
Rewrite the expression using radical notation: $\sqrt[n]{a^m}$, which becomes $\sqrt{81^3}$.
Simplify the expression inside the radical: $81^3$ can be rewritten as $(81^{1/2})^3$.
Calculate $81^{1/2}$, which is the square root of 81, and then raise the result to the power of 3.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Radical Notation
Radical notation is a way to express roots of numbers using the radical symbol (√). For example, the square root of a number 'x' is written as √x. In the context of exponents, a fractional exponent indicates both a power and a root; for instance, x^(1/n) represents the nth root of x.
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Exponents and Fractional Exponents
Exponents are a shorthand way to express repeated multiplication of a number by itself. A fractional exponent, such as 3/2, indicates that the base should be raised to the power of 3 and then the result should be taken to the square root. This duality allows for simplification of expressions involving roots and powers.
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Simplification of Expressions
Simplification involves rewriting an expression in a more manageable or concise form. This can include combining like terms, reducing fractions, or applying properties of exponents and radicals. In the case of the expression 81^(3/2), simplification would involve calculating the square root of 81 and then raising the result to the third power.
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