Loading [MathJax]/extensions/TeX/cancel.js
header hamburger icon
header search icon

audio read-through Writing Rational Exponents as Radicals

Want some practice with the other direction? Writing Radicals in Rational Exponent Form

As long as everything is defined:

$$ \cssId{s7}{x^{p/q}} \cssId{s8}{= (x^p)^{1/q}} \cssId{s9}{= \root q\of{x^p}} $$ or $$ \cssId{s11}{x^{p/q}} \cssId{s12}{= (x^{1/q})^p} \cssId{s13}{= (\root q\of{x})^p}$$

In both cases, the denominator in the exponent indicates the type of root. The numerator in the exponent is a power, which can go either inside or outside the radical.

Note from Dr. Burns (the website creator):
Welcome—so glad you're here!

Full-body virtual reality! Read about my family's first experiences with the Omni One at this page I wrote up. (At the bottom of the linked page, there are hilarious videos of our First Steps...)

Want to say hello? Sign my guestbook!

Examples

Write in radical form:

$x^{1/2} = \sqrt{x}$
$x^{1/3} = \root 3\of {x}$
$\cssId{s21}{x^{3/2}} \cssId{s22}{= \sqrt{x^3}} \cssId{s23}{= (\sqrt{x})^3}$
$\displaystyle x^{-1/2} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}$
$\displaystyle 3x^{-1/5} = \frac{3}{\root 5\of{x}}$
Master the ideas from this section by practicing below:

down arrow icon
When you're done practicing, move on to:

Practice with Rational Exponents
right arrow icon

Concept Practice

  1. Choose a specific problem type, or click ‘New problem’ for a random question.
  2. Think about your answer.
  3. Click ‘Check your answer’ to check!

On this exercise, you may assume that $\,x\,$ is positive, so that everything is defined.

PROBLEM TYPES:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
AVAILABLE
MASTERED
IN PROGRESS
To get a randomly-generated practice problem, click the ‘New problem’ button above.

Think about your answer, and then press ‘Enter’ or ‘Check your answer’.
Desired # problems:
(MAX is 10)
Extra work-space?
(units are pixels):