Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rationalizing the Denominator
Rationalizing the denominator is a technique used to eliminate square roots or other irrational numbers from the denominator of a fraction. This is typically done by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by a suitable expression that will result in a rational number in the denominator. For example, to rationalize 5/√2, you would multiply by √2/√2, resulting in (5√2)/2.
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Properties of Exponents
Understanding the properties of exponents is crucial in algebra, as they dictate how to manipulate expressions involving powers. Key properties include the product of powers, quotient of powers, and power of a power. These rules help simplify expressions and solve equations efficiently, especially when dealing with variables raised to powers.
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Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions involves reducing them to their most basic form while maintaining their value. This can include combining like terms, factoring, and rationalizing denominators. The goal is to make expressions easier to work with, which is essential for solving equations or performing further operations.
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