In Exercises 1–20, use radical notation to rewrite each expression. Simplify, if possible. (xy)^⅓

Key Concepts

Radical Notation

Radical notation is a mathematical notation used to represent roots of numbers or expressions. The symbol '√' denotes the square root, while '∛' represents the cube root. In the expression (xy)^(1/3), the exponent 1/3 indicates that we are taking the cube root of the product xy. Understanding how to interpret and manipulate radical notation is essential for simplifying expressions involving roots.

Exponents and Fractional Exponents

Exponents are a way to express repeated multiplication of a number by itself. A fractional exponent, such as 1/3, indicates a root; specifically, the denominator represents the root's degree. For example, x^(1/3) means the cube root of x. Recognizing how to convert between radical and exponential forms is crucial for simplifying expressions like (xy)^(1/3).

Simplifying Expressions

Simplifying expressions involves reducing them to their most basic form while maintaining their value. This can include combining like terms, factoring, and applying properties of exponents and radicals. In the context of the expression (xy)^(1/3), simplification may involve rewriting it as ∛(xy) or further breaking it down if x and y have specific values or relationships. Mastery of simplification techniques is vital for effective problem-solving in algebra.