9

Mathematics
Quarter 2 – Module 4:
Rational Exponents
Mathematics – Grade 9
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 2 – Module 4: Rational Exponents
First Edition, 2020

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Development Team of the Module

Writer: Cristopher M. Musico
Editor: Noel B. Wamar
Reviewers: Ronela S. Molina, Noel B. Wamar
Illustrator: Judith D. Abogada
Layout Artist: Judith D. Abogada
Cover Art Designer: Reggie D. Galindez
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Paunang Salita

Ang Self-Learning Module o SLM na ito ay maingat na inihanda para sa ating mag-
aaral sa kanilang pag-aaral sa tahanan. Binubuo ito ng iba’t ibang bahagi na gagabay
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Pinapaalalahanan din ang mga mag-aaral na ingatan ang SLM na ito upang magamit
pa ng ibang mangangailangan. Huwag susulatan o mamarkahan ang anumang
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Hinihikayat ang mga mag-aaral na makipag-ugnayan agad sa kanilang guro kung sila
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Sa pamamagitan ng modyul na ito at sa tulong ng ating mga tagapagdaloy, umaasa

kami na matututo ang ating mag-aaral kahit wala sila sa paaralan.
 What I Need to Know

This module looks forward to help you get through with its featured lessons
about expression with rational exponents with ease and fun. Each activity offers
simplified and comprehensive examples and discussions to provide you with
substantial self-learning guides. Make sure to read and follow each direction given
and work out this module within the set timeline to achieve our hashtags below:
#mathisfun
#i’mproductive

For this week, your module is divided into two lessons, namely:
 Lesson 1 – Expressions with Rational Exponents
 Lesson 2 –Transforming Expressions with Rational Exponents to Radical
Form and Vice Versa
After going through this module, you are expected to:
 simplify expressions with rational exponents (M9AL-IIe-1); and
 write expressions with rational exponents as radicals and vice versa. (M9AL -
IIf – 1)

What I Know

Make yourselves ahead of this module by taking the pre-assessment questions

below. This will help you gain an overview of what to expect with your final
assessment.

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Simplify:
A. 1296 B. 36 C. 18 D. 6
2. What is the simplified form of ?
A. 1 B. 10 C. 100 D. 1000
3. Which of the following is true?
B. ( ) C. D.
A. ( )

4. What is the value of ( ) ?

A. 8 B. -8 C. 4 D. -4
5. Which of the following is the result if we simplify ( ) ( )?

A. B. C. D.
6. What is the simplified form of ( ) ?
A. B. C. D.

7. Which of the following is the equivalent of *( ) ( )+ ?

A. 4 B. 16 C. 64 D. 256

8. What is the result after simplifying ?

A. 2 B. C. D.
For item numbers 9-11, choose the radical form of the given expressions.
9.
A. √ B. √ C. √ D. √
10. ( )
A. √ B. √ C. √ D. √
11. ( )
A. √ B. √ C. √
D. √( )
For item numbers 12-13, choose the exponential form of the given expressions.
12. √
A. ( ) B. C. ( ) D.
;
13.
√

A. ( ); B. ( ) C. ( ); D. ( )
14. Ben is humbly asking you to help him find the correct radical form in
simplest form of the expression . Which of the following must be correct your
answer?
A. √ B. √ C. √ D. √
15. Leah cares for the environment and supports recycling, and able to gather 50
kilos of empty plastic bottles for√ . What is the exponential form of √
A. B. C. D.
Lesson
Expressions with Rational
1 Exponents
Your lesson 1 of this module will bring you to the world of expressions with
rational exponents. Make use of the provided discussions, exercises, and
enrichment activities especially made for you.

What’s In

To be ready for your Lesson 1, first, you need to refresh yourself on how to perform
the following operations involving fractions as shown below.

ACTIVITY 1: OPERATIONS ON FRACTION

Perform the indicated operations on the given fractions. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. 5.
9

2. 6. ÷

3. 7. ( )

4. ( : )
8.
0

Questions:
1. How to perform addition or subtraction of similar fractions? How about
dissimilar fractions?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. How to multiply fractions?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. How to divide fractions?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Note: This activity will strengthen your understanding in performing operations of rational expressions.
 What’s New

Learning and fun continue if you keep reaching new goals! For this week get
yourselves a goal and be productive by accomplishing your lesson about expression
with rational exponents.

ACTIVITY 2: WE’RE FAMILY

Observe the following group of exponents and answer the questions that follow.
Refer to the terms in the box to choose your answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.
COLUMNS
A B C D
0
;

( )0 ;

0
;

 Zero Exponents  Rational Exponents

 Negative Integral Exponents  Positive Integral Exponents

QUESTIONS:
1. What do you observe with the exponents in Column A? In Column B? In Column
C? In Column D?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. Positive integral exponents can be defined as . Negative integral
exponents can be defined as ; . Zero exponent can be defined as 0 . How
do you think rational exponents be defined?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you think it is possible to apply the laws of exponent in rational exponents?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY 3: DEFINE ME
To define rational exponents, let us try the activity below. We will use the idea of
( ) . Fill in the missing parts of the solution.

( ) Value/s of

( )
( )
( )
1)
( )
( )
( )
2)
( )
( )
3)
*( ) +
( ) ( )
( )
4)
*( ) +
( ) ( )
( )

ACTIVITY 4: MISSING PARTS OF ME

Fill in the missing parts of the solution in simplifying rational exponents using the
past lesson on Laws of Exponents.

:
1. ( ) ( )

:
2. ( ) ( )

( ) ( )
3. ( )

; ;
4.

()
;
5. ( ) ( )
()

Questions:
1. Based from the activity, how do you simplify expressions involving rational
exponents?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the needed skills to remember in simplifying expressions with rational
exponents?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
 What is It

It’s time to ease confusion and answer clarifications with the comprehensive
discussion provided below. Make use of each example to self-check your progress
in learning lesson 1. Of course, you may always go back to check the correctness of
answers in your activities above after having read the said discussion.

This group of expressions is what we call an expression with rational

exponents. Rational numbers are real numbers that can be written in the form of
where a and b are integers and b is not equal to 0.

Examples of Expressions with Rational Exponents

x
a) b) ( ) c) d)
x

If expressions with rational exponents will be defined, it has to be a unique (single

value). If there are two possible values, we will define to be the positive value.

Examples

a) b) ( ) c) ( )

( ) *( ) + *( ) +
( ) ( )
( )
Since has two ( ) has a ( ) is not defined
possible values 7 & -7, unique value -5.
we will use 7, not -7.

Let m and n be a positive integer then and can be defined provided

that is also defined.
1. ( )

;
2.
 Examples

𝐦 𝟏 𝒎
1) 𝐚 𝐧 (𝐚𝐧 )

a) ( ) c) ( )

Since, ( ) Since, ( )
( ) ( )

Then, the value of . Then, the value of .

Therefore, . Therefore, .

b) ( ) *( )+
( ) is not defined
because( ) is not also
defined.

Examples

𝐦 𝟏 𝒎
2) 𝐚; 𝐧 (𝐚𝐧)

a) ; b)( );
(; ) ;
8 (; 7) *(; 7) +
(8 )

Since, ( ) Since, *( ) +
( ) ( )
Then, the value of . Then, the value of ( ) .
;
Therefore, . Therefore, ( ); .
;

LAWS OF EXPONENTS
Laws of exponents can also be applied in expressions with rational exponent.

m m:

: : :
a) b)

( m) m

( )( ) ( )( )
a) ( ) b) ( )
 ( )m m m

( ) ( )
a) ( ) ( ) b)( )

𝑎𝑚 m;
𝑎𝑛
8 9
; ;
; b)
a)

Lesson Transforming Expressions

2 with Rational Exponents to
Radical Form and Vice Versa
Welcome to your lesson 2 of this module. In this part, you will be extending
your knowledge about expression with rational exponents into transforming the
said expression into radical form and vice versa.

What’s In

Let’s begin with your lesson by recalling the concepts of expression with rational
exponents by answering the activity 5 below.

ACTIVITY 5: YOU’RE SO RATIONAL

Determine if the given expressions are expressions with rational exponents

or not. Write R if it is an expression with rational exponents and N if it is not.

1. ( ) 4. 7

2. ( ) 5.
x

(8)
3.
 What’s New

Claim the learning and fun prepared for you in your lesson 2 by answering
the activities and reading the discussion below.

ACTIVITY 6: THE TRANSFORMERS

Fill in the correct answer on the blank box.
A. Transform the expression with rational exponent to its radical form. Use the
example given as your guide.

√ √ ( ) √ √

1. 3.

2. ( ) 4. ( )
𝑟

B. Transform the following radical expression into its exponential form.

Use the example given as your guide.

√ √
( )

5. √ 7.
√9

6. √ .√ t
 What is It

Below are the details you perfectly needed to figure out the concepts in lesson 2.
You may always go back to your activity above to finalize your answers after
reading the discussion presented below.

In transforming rational exponents to radical and vice versa, let us define

first what is radical.
A radical expression or a radical is an expression containing the symbol
√ which is called radical sign.
Radical expressions can be written as:

 n is called the index or order which indicates the

𝐧
√𝐚𝐦 degree of the radical sign.
(√⬚) square root, ( √⬚) cube root, (√⬚) fourth root, and so on

 𝐚𝐦 is called the radicand which is the number or symbol inside the radical
sign.
 m is the power or exponent of the radicand.
m
If is a rational number and a is a positive real number, then √ provided
that √ m is a real number.

Index

𝐦
𝐧
𝐚 𝐧 √ 𝐚𝐦 Radicand

Radical Symbol

Examples

a) √
 ( is the radicand and 5 is the index or order. The
radical is in the 5th root)
 (It can be read as “fifth root of 5 raised to the power of 3”.)
b) √
 (The index is 2 and the radicand is x. The radical is in the
square root and 2 may not be written.)
 (It can be read as “square root of x”.)
 Examples

c) √
 (The index is 4 and the radicand is . The radical is in
the fourth root.)
 (It can be read as “35 fourth root of x raised to the power
of 3”.)
d) ( ) √( )
 (The index is 3 and the radicand is ( ) . The radical is in
the cube root.)
 (It can be read as “cube root of the quantity of 4y raised to
the power of 2”.)

Conditions on Radical Expressions:

Note: In the definition, √ m , a should be a positive real numbers for an even
n because it will not hold true if a is a negative real numbers.

✅ √ ✅ √

( ) √ ( ) √

If a is positive and n is even, then If a is negative and n is even, then

there exists two real nth roots of a. the expression has no real root.

√ ( ) &( ) ( ) √ 𝑛𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠

Note: If n is odd, then positive a would result to exactly one positive real nth root of
a and negative a would result to exactly one negative real nth root of a.

✅ √
✅ √

✅ ( ) √ ✅ ( ) √
 What’s More

Practice makes perfect! Perfect your learning in this module by indulging yourself
in practices through answering the activity 7-9 below. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

ACTIVITY 7: VALUABLES
Evaluate the following expressions with rational exponents by finding its final
value. If the expression is undefined, write “undefined”.

Expressions Answer Expressions Answer

1. 5. ( )
2. ( ) 6.
;
3. 7.
4. ( ) 8. ( )

ACTIVITY 8: LAW IS LAW

Perform the given operations by applying the Law of Exponents. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.

1) ( ) ( ) 3)

2) ( ) 4) ( )

ACTIVITY 9: TOTAL TRANSFORMATION

A. Transform the following expressions with rational exponents into
radical form. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1) 2) ( )
3) 4) ( )

B. Transform the following expressions in radical form into exponential

form. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1) √ 2)
√
3) √ 4) √m
 What I Have Learned

Be proud of yourself by showcasing how much you become productive in learning

your lessons in this module by answering the given question in the boxes below.

Directions: Record your learning through the following means below. Read
carefully each directions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

A. Answer the following questions about the general form of expression with
rational exponent equated to its radical form in the boxes below.

From the given symbol, describe the

𝐦 following:
𝐧
√ 𝐚𝐦
1. m
𝐚 𝐧 2. m
3. 𝑛

B. Identify the order, radicand and exponent of the following expressions.

𝟐
1. Order: 2. Radicand: 3. Exponent: 𝟒
√𝟑𝟐
𝟑𝟒

1. Order: 2. Radicand: 3. Exponent: 𝟓 𝟑

( 𝟖)𝟑 √( 𝟖)𝟓

C. Explain in 3-5 sentences the questions below.

How to transform exponential How to transform radical form
form to radical form? to exponential form?
 What I Can Do

Get ready to wrap your learnings as you are one step away of the final process by
showing what you can do with the activity 10 below.

ACTIVITY 11: JUDGE ME

Directions: Identify if the given expression and its corresponding solution is true
or false. Write check ( ⁄ ) on the appropriate column. If your answer is false, write
the correct expression or solution to the reason column. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

No. Expressions True False Reason/s

1. (a) √
(b)
(c)
2. (a) :

(b) :

(c)
(d) √
3. (a) ( ) √( )
(b) √
(c) √
4. (a) √ √ ( )
(b) ( )
 Assessment

Make sure to give your best as you take this graded assessment of this module.

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the simplified form of ?
A. 1 B. 5 C. 25 D. 625
2. What is 64 raised to ?
A. 4 B. 8 C. 16 D. 32
3. What is the value of ?
A. 8 B. 9 C. 10 D. 11
4. What is the difference of √ ?
A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
5. Which of the following is the product of ( ) ( )?
A. B. C. D.
6. Simplify:
A. 10 B. 100 C. 1 000 D. 10 000
7. Evaluate: √ √ √ √
A. 10 B. 12 C. 14 D. 16
8. Which of the following is equal to √ ?
A. 2 B. 4 C. 8 D. 16
9. Which of the following illustrates √ into rational exponents?
A. ( ) B. C. D.
10. Which of the following is the correct solution when you simplify 25 3/2.

A. √ B. √
C. √ D. √
11. Which of the following is the radical form of ?
A. √ B. √ C. √ D. √
12. What is the index of ( ) if transformed to radical form?
A. Ab B. A C. 3 D. 5
13. The following expressions are clearly defined, EXCEPT.
A. √ B. √ C. √ D. √
14. Which expression illustrates the fourth root of 10 raised to the power of 6?
A. B. C. D.
15. Evaluate: √ (√ )
A. 188 B. 178 C. 288 D. 204
 Additional Activities

Go beyond the extra mile in learning lessons of the module by answering the
activity. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

ACTIVITY 12: TRANSFORM TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Directions: Transform the expression below into:

 radical form when the expression has rational exponent.

 expression with rational exponents, when the expression is in its radical form.

A. B. C.

x 𝑥 √
√√ (( ) )
ACTIVITY 2: Pre-Assessment
Column Answer 1. D 6. A 11. B
A Positive Integral 2. C 7. C 12. B
Exponents 3. D 8. B 13. A
B Zero Exponents 4. D 9. A 14. C
C Negative Integral 5. A 10. C 15. D
Exponents ACTIVITY 1:
D Rational Exponents 1. 3. 5. 1 7.
9
2. 4. 6. 8.
ACTIVITY 3: 0
1) 6, -6 6, -6
2) 3 3
3) -3 -3
4) Undefined undefined
Answer Key
 Textbook for Third Year. JTW Corporation pp. 203 – 206
Soledad, J.-D. E., & Bernabe, J. G. (2001). Integrated Mathematics 
Mathematics Learner’s Material 9 (DepEd Philippines) pp. 231 – 245 
References
ACTIVITY 4:
ACTIVITY 9: ACTIVITY 10: 8
:
1. ( ) ( )
1. √ 1. ( )
:
2. √ 2. ( ) 2. ( ) ( )
3. √ 3. ( ); ( ) ( )
3. ( )
4. √
4. (m ) ; ;
4.
8
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED ( ) 8
;
5. ( ) ( )
( )
A. B.
1. Exponent 1. 4 1. 3
2. Radicand 2. 3 2. -8 ACTIVITY 5:
3. Order/ Index 3. 2 3. 5 1. R 2. N 3. R
4. N 5. R
ACTIVITY 11:
1. (a) T (b) T (c) F ACTIVITY 6:
[1000] (1) √ √
2. (a) T (b) F (c) F (d) F (2) √( 𝑥 ) √ 𝑥
: *√ +
* + * + (3) ( ) ( √𝑟 ) √𝑟
3. (a) T (b) T (c) F (4)
*√ + ( )
𝑟 𝑟
4. (a) T (b) F
(5) √( 𝑛 ) ( 𝑛 )
*( 𝑛 ) +
(6) √ 𝑥 ( 𝑥 )
EVALUATION:
(7) ;
1. B 6. B 11. A
2. C 7. C 12. D
3. D 8. B 13. C (8) √(𝑟𝑠𝑡) (𝑟𝑠𝑡)
4. A 9. A 14. C
5. C 10. D 15. C ACTIVITY 7:
1. 8 3. 2 5. 1 7.
ACTIVITY 12:
2. -10 4. -1 6. 343 8. undefined
A.
B. √
C. ACTIVITY 8:
1. 64 3.
9
2. 4.
 EDITOR’S NOTE
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd
SOCCSKSARGEN with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing
the new normal. Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most
Essential Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material to be used
by all learners of SOCCSKSARGEN Region in all public schools beginning SY
2020-2021. The process of LR development was observed in the production of
this module. This is Version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback, comments,
and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN
Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 228 8825 / (083) 228 1893
Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph