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

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.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
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.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Expanding Radicals
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.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Rational Exponents
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.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Introduction to Algebraic Expressions
Related Videos
Related Practice