SIMPLIFYING AND

TRANSFORMING EXPRESSIONS
WITH RATIONAL EXPONENTS TO
RADICALS AND VICE VERSA
for Mathematics Grade 9
Quarter 2 / Week 4

1
 FOREWORD
This Self Learning Kit (SLK) will serve as a guide in simplifying
expressions with rational exponents and writing expressions with
rational exponents to radicals and vice versa. This will be your aid
as you learn new ideas and enrich your existing knowledge about
mathematical concepts.

In this learning kit, you will gain knowledge about the

concepts of expressions with rational exponents and how they can
be simplified using the different laws of exponents. Also, you will
learn how to transform these expressions to radical forms and vice
versa.

2
LESSON 1: SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS WITH RATIONAL
EXPONENTS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
K: States the mathematical concepts in simplifying rational exponents.

S: Simplifies expressions with rational exponents.

A: Observes patience in simplifying expressions with rational exponents.

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-ACTIVITIES
A. Recall: Laws of Exponent
Let m and n be rational numbers and a and b be real numbers.
1. Law of Product: To multiply expressions with like bases, keep the base
and add the exponents:
𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 Example: 23 ∙ 22 = 23+2 = 25

2. Law of Power: To apply an exponent to a power expression, multiply

the exponents:
(𝑎𝑚 )n =𝑎𝑚𝑛 Example: (23)2 = 23·2 = 26

3. Law of Power of a Product: An exponent outside the parentheses

applies to all parts of a product inside the parentheses:
(𝑎𝑏) ͫ = 𝑎𝑚 𝑏𝑚 Example: [(4)(3)]5 = (4)5(3)5

4. Law of Power of a Quotient : An exponent outside the parentheses

applies to all parts of a quotient inside the parentheses:
3 2
2
𝑎 𝑚 am 3
(b) = bm , b≠0 Example: ( ) = 2
4 4

5. Law of Quotient : To divide expressions with like bases, keep the

base and subtract the exponents:
𝑎𝑚 35
= 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 , if m > n Example: = 35−3 = 32
𝑎𝑛 33

𝑎𝑚 1 33 1 1
= 𝑎𝑛−𝑚, if m < n Example: = 35−3 =
𝑎𝑛 35 32

3
 6. Law of Negative Exponent: To make the negative exponent positive,
move the base and its exponent to the opposite location in the
fraction:
1 1 33 1 1
𝑎−𝑥 = or = 𝑎𝑥 Example: = 35−3 = 3−2 = 32
𝑎𝑥 𝑎𝑥 35

7. Law of Zero Exponent: Any base except for zero (0) raised to a zero
power is always equal to 1:
𝑎𝑚 35
= 𝑎𝑚−𝑚 = 𝑎0 = 1 Example: = 35−5 = 30 = 1
𝑎𝑚 35

(Lazalita et al. 2007)

B. PRETEST
Activity 1: AM I RIGHT!
𝑏2
Riel and Richard were asked to simplify 𝑏−5. Their solutions and explanations
are shown below.
Riel Richard
𝑏2 𝑏2 𝑏5 𝑏2
= 1 =𝑏2 · =𝑏7 = 𝑏 2−(−5) = 𝑏2+5 = 𝑏7
𝑏−5 1 𝑏−5
𝑏5
Riel used the concept of negative Richard used the law of
exponent then followed the rule of exponent.
dividing fractions.

(Bryant, et al. 2014)

Question:
Who do you think is correct in simplifying the given expression? Justify
your answer.

Note: Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper/notebook.

Activity 2: Follow Me!

Fill in the missing parts of the solution in simplifying expressions with
rational exponents.
2 4 ? ? 6 ?
1. (𝑚3 ) (𝑚3 )= 𝑚 +
= 𝑚3 = 𝑚
1 2
2. (𝑘 4 ) (𝑘 3 )=𝑘 12 + 12 = 𝑘
5
𝑎7 10 21 1
3. =𝑎 =𝑎 =
−
3
𝑎2 𝑎

4. (𝑟 12 𝑠 9 )⅓ = 𝑟 𝑠 = 𝑟 4𝑠3
4
II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BIG CONCEPT: SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS WITH RATIONAL

EXPONENTS

What are rational numbers?

𝑎
Rational numbers are real numbers that can be written in the form ,
𝑏
where a and b are integers and b ≠ 0. Hence, they can be whole
numbers, fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, together with their
negative images. (Bryant et al. 2014).

What are rational exponents?

Rational Exponents are exponents that are fractions (Lazalita et al. 2009).
By definition: For any positive real number x and any positive integer n,
𝟏 𝒎
𝒙𝒏 = 𝒏√𝒙. It can also be written as 𝒙 𝒏 = ( 𝒏√𝒙)m .

1 1
Examples: 1.) 362 = √36 = √36= 6 2.) 643 = √64 = 4
2 𝑛 3

The aforementioned properties hold for all real numbers, with these
exceptions:
1. 00 is undefined.
2. Dividing by zero is undefined.
3. Raising negative numbers to fractional powers can be undefined.

Explore More: Laws of Integral Exponents

1
• Let n be a positive integer. Then 𝑏 𝑛 is defined as the principal nth root of
b. This means that:
1
1. If b is positive, then 𝑏 𝑛 is the unique positive number such that 𝑎𝑛 = b.
1
If b = 0, then 𝑏 𝑛 is 0.
1
Examples: 83 = √8 (read as the 3rd root of 8) which is equal to 2
3

So, 23 = 8, because (2)(2)(2) = 8

1
03 = √0 (read as the 3rd root of 0) which is equal to 0
3

So, 03 = 0, because (0)(0)(0) = 0

1
2. If b is negative and n is odd, then 𝑏 𝑛 is the unique real number such that
𝑎𝑛 = b.
1
Examples: (−8)3 = √−8 (read as the 3rd root of -8) which is equal to -2
3

5
 So (-2)3 = -8; because (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8
1
3. If b is negative and n is even, then 𝑏 𝑛 is not defined.
1
Example: (−8)2 = √−8 which is not defined.
2

𝑚 −𝑚
• Let m and n be positive integers. Then 𝑏 𝑛 and 𝑏 𝑛 are defined as follows.
𝑚 1 1
1. 𝑏 =(𝑏 ) ͫ provided that 𝑏
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛 is defined
2 1
Example: 27 3 = (27 ) 2
3

−𝑚 1
2. 𝑏 𝑛 = 𝑚
𝑏𝑛
−2
1
Example: 27 3 = 2 (Definition of a negative exponent)
273

1
Note: Some real numbers raised to a rational exponent such as (−1)2 are not
real numbers.
In such case, these laws do not hold. Aside from the laws of exponents,
we will also use our understanding of addition and subtraction of similar and
dissimilar fractions.
(Orines et al. 2014)

General Rule: Expression should not be left unsimplified.

An expression is said to be simplified if it DOES NOT contain the following:

• negative exponents
• complex fractions
• fractional exponents in its denominator.

Observe how the laws are applied in evaluating numerical expressions

involving rational exponents.

Illustrative Examples:
Evaluate the following:
a. (27)⅓ = (33 )⅓ Factoring 27:
A number raised to the 3rd power that will give
27 as the answer is 3; so 33 = 27
= (3) 3/3 2nd Law of Exponents:
3
(33)1/3 = 33(1/3) = 33
6
 =3 Simplifying Fraction:
3 divided by 3 is equal to 1, and 31 = 3
Hence, (27)⅓ = 3

b. (8)-⅔ = (23)-⅔ Factoring 8:

A number raised to the 3rd power that will give
8 as the answer is 2; so 23 = 8
= 2-6/3 2nd Law of Exponents:
(23)-2/3 = 23(-2/3) = 2-2
= 2-2 Simplifying Fraction:
Why -2? Because (3)(-2) = -6 ÷ 3 = -2
1
=( Definition of Negative Exponents:
2) 2
1
2 -2 = 22
1
= Simplifying Fraction:
4
1 1 1
22
= (2)(2)
= 4

1
Hence, (8)-⅔ = 4

More Illustrative Examples:

Simplify the following:
𝟐 𝟑
1. (𝒙𝟓 ) (𝒙𝟐 ) =
2 3
Keep the base and add the exponents: 𝑥 5 + 2
Add dissimilar fractions/exponents.
2∙2 4 3∙5 15
Express the exponents as similar fractions: 5 ∙ 2 = 10 and 2 ∙ 5 = 10
4 15 19
Then add the similar fractions: 10 + 10 = 10
𝟏𝟗
Hence the simplified form is 𝒙𝟏𝟎

−𝟏 𝟐
2. (𝒙 𝟓 𝒚 𝟑 )-3 = ?
Distribute the exponent -3 to all the terms inside the parenthesis:
−1 −3 2 −3 𝟑 −𝟔
(𝑥 5 ) (𝑦 3 ) = (𝒙𝟓 ) (𝒙 𝟑 )
3 −6
Keep the base and add the exponents: 𝑥 5 + 3

Proceed to addition of dissimilar fraction as in example 1:

3∙3 9 −6 ∙ 5 −30 9 −30 9−30 −21 −7
= 15 and 3 ∙ 5 = 15 , so 15 + 15 = 15 = 15 or 5
5∙3

7
 −𝟕
Hence, it is 𝒙 𝟓
−𝟕
Apply the law on negative exponent to simplify further: 𝒙 𝟓 = 𝟏
𝟕
𝒙𝟓
𝟏
The simplified form is 𝟕
𝒙𝟓

7
𝑎10
3. ( 2 )5
𝑎10
Two possible solutions:
a. Divide the terms inside the parenthesis and raise it to the power of 5.
b. Distribute the exponent 5 to all the terms in the parenthesis then
divide.
Solution a.
7
𝑎10
Divide: 2
𝑎10

Apply the law of quotient of exponent:

7 2 7−2 5 1
𝑎10 − 10 = 𝑎 10 = 𝑎 10 or 𝑎2
1 1 5
Raise 𝑎2 to the power of 5: (𝑎2 )
1∙5 5
=
Apply Law of Power of Exponent: 𝑎 2 𝑎2
5
The simplified form is 𝑎2
Solution b.
Distribute the exponent 5 to all the terms inside the parenthesis:
7
(5)
𝑎 10
( 2 )
(5)
𝑎 10
35
𝑎10
Simplify: ( 10 )
𝑎10
Divide the exponent (Apply the law of Quotient):

35 10 25 5
Subtract the exponent: 10 − 10 = 10 or 2

5
The simplified form is 𝑎2

1
4. [(𝑎−3 )(𝑎4 )]4
Just like example 4, you can have two possible solutions
a. Simplify/Multiply the terms inside the parenthesis first before
1
raising it to the power of 4 .

8
 b. Distribute the exponent 5 to all the terms inside the parentheses
before simplifying/multiplying.
Solution a.
Multiply (𝑎−3 )(𝑎4 )
Apply the Law of Product: 𝑎−3+4 = 𝑎1 = a
1
1
Raise a to the power of :(𝑎)4
4
1
The simplified form is 𝑎 4

Solution b.
1
Distribute the exponent 5 to all the terms in the parenthesis: (𝑎−3 )4
1
(𝑎 4 )4
1 1 −3 1 4
Simplify each term: (𝑎−3 )4 = 𝑎−3(4) =𝑎 4 and 𝑎4(4) = 𝑎4
Apply the law of product of exponent: Keep the base and add
−3 4 −3+4 1
+
the exponents: 𝑎4 4 =𝑎 4 = 𝑎4
1
The simplified form is 𝑎4

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

Activity 3: Fill- Me-In!

Simplify the following expressions with rational exponents by filling in the boxes
with solutions. Then answer the process questions that follow. Copy the
illustration and answer on a separate sheet of paper/notebook.

9
POST-TEST:
Activity 4: Make Me Simple!
Using your knowledge of rational expressions, simplify the following:

Given Final Answer

2 6
(k5 ) (k7 ) 1.

1
(x16 y20 z8 )4 2.

1
(p21 q-15 r-3 )3 3.

3 -1
x2 y 4
4.
3 3
x4 y4
2 5.
y3
( )2 1
y2
(Bryant et al. 2014)

10
 REFERENCES
Bryant, M. et al. 2014. Mathematics Grade 9 Learner’s Module First
Edition. Pasig City: DepEd-IMCS

K to 12 Curriculum Guide Mathematics. 2013. DepEd, Philippines

Lazalita, et al. 2009. College Algebra Workbook. Dumaguete City: Negros

Oriental State University- CAS

Orines, F., et al. 2014. Next Century Mathematics: Mathematics 9. Quezon City,
Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

SYNOPSIS ANSWER KEY

This Self Learning Kit (SLK) is about
simplifying expressions with rational
exponents. This equips learners with ample
knowledge on laws of integral exponents
and simplifying expressions with rational 5. 𝑦 3
exponents.
1
𝑦
4.
After all, learners are made to realize 𝑥4
3
that Mathematics is a world of fun and 3. (𝑞𝑝5𝑟)
7
fruitful experience. 2. (𝑥 4 𝑦 5 𝑧 2 )

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

1. k44/35
ACTIVIY 4
POSTTEST
3. a ½ - 3/10 = a 5/10 – 3/10
2. x (2/5)-5 y (4/10)-5 = x -2 y -2
1. c2/9c (4/3) (3/3) = c2/9c12/9
ACTIVIY 3
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED:
4. 𝑟 3 𝑠 3=r4s3
12 9
𝑎14
11 𝑎 14 =
1 −11
14 14
−
𝑎 3.
10 21
2. ans.𝑘 12+12 =𝑘 12
11 8 3
1. ans.𝑚 3+3 =𝑚3 = 𝑚2
2 4 6

ROSALINA A. MARINAY is a Secondary School

ACTIVIY 2
laws/properties.
Teacher III of Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High since they follow mathematical
School-Main Campus, Canlaon I District. She Ans. Both of them are correct
finished Master of Arts in Teaching
ACTIVITY 1
PRETEST:
Mathematics (MAT-MATH) at Philippine Normal
University -Visayas.

11
Lesson 2: WRITING EXPRESSIONS WITH RATIONAL
EXPONENTS TO RADICALS AND VICE VERSA

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
K: Recalls knowledge on expressions with rational exponents.
S: Writes expressions with rational exponents as radicals and vice
versa.
A: Shows accuracy in transforming expressions with rational
exponents as
radicals
I. WHAT and vice versa.
HAPPENED
PRETEST
ACTIVITY 1. Let’s Recall
Simplify the following expressions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper/notebook.
1 24
2 5 2 6
s4
1. (5 ) (5 )
7 6 3. ( 1 ) 5. (-3e4 ) (f 5 ) (50 )
t8

1 1 1
m5 n7
2. (x16 0
y z 8 )4
4. 1
m4 n0

ACTIVITY 2. Fill-Me-In
Carefully analyze the first two examples below then fill in the rest with the
correct answers. Copy and answer on a separate sheet of paper/notebook:

A B

→ →
2 3
1. 3 3 √32 3
√9

→ →
3 5 5
2. (2n) 5 √23 n3 √ 8n3

→ ___ → ___
3
3. 5 4

→ ___ → ___
3
4. 3b2
2

5. (
3
2p
2 )
3
→ ___ → ___
1

6.
(x2 +3)3
-
1 → ___ → ___
(x2 -3) 3
12
II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
n
The symbol √am is called radical. A radical expression or a radical is
an expression containing the symbol √ called radical sign. In the symbol
n m,
√a n is called the index or order which indicates the degree of the radical
𝟑 𝟒
such as square root √ , cube root √ and fourth root √ . am is called the
radicand which is a number or expression inside the radical symbol and m is
the power or exponent of the radicand.
(Bryant et al. 2014)

Illustration:
32
In √4 → 3 is the index
→ 42 is the radicand
→ 2 is the exponent of the radicand

Writing Rational Expressions in Radical Form

1

If n is a positive integer, x = n x . n

Examples:

Write each rational expression in radical form.

1

1) 25 2 = 25 The denominator of the exponent is the index. If the

1
index is 2, there is no need of writing.
2) 8 3
= 3
8 The denominator is 3 and so the index is 3.
1

3) 81 4
=
4
81 The denominator is 4 and so the index is 4.

m m m
n n
If is any rational number where n ≠ 0, x n = √xm = ( √x) .
n
Examples:
Write each rational expression in radical form. m
Here we use a = a , which is generally the
n n m
3

1) a 5 = 5 a3 preferred form in this situation.

2) (mn )4 = 4 (mn ) = 4 m3n3

3
3
The exponent applies to mn because of the
parenthesis.
5

3) 2y 6 = 26 y 5 Note that the exponent applies only to the

variable y.
5
4) (2𝑦)6 = √(2𝑦)5 = √32𝑦 5
6 6
Now the exponent applies to 2y because of
the parenthesis.

13
Examples:

Write each rational expression in radical form.

3 2

1) (ab ) 3) (3x )
2 3
3 2) 3x 4 4 4) x 7

Solutions:
(ab )3 = 3 (ab ) = 3 a2b2
2
1)
2

2) 3x = 3 4 x 3
4

3) (3x )4 = 4 (3x ) = 4 27x 3

3
3

( x)
2 2

4) x 7 = 7 x 2 or 7

Writing Radical Expressions in Exponential Form

1

In writing radical expressions in exponential form such as x = x , where n n

n is a positive integer, the index is the denominator while the exponent is the
numerator.
Note: If the exponent is 1, it may not be written in the upper left part of the
base, hence x1 can be written only as x.

Examples:
Write each radical expression in exponential form.
1) 5
x 2) 4
x3 3) 5
2a ( )
4) 5 y
3

Solutions:
1

1)
5
x = x5 The index is 5 and the exponent is 1.
3

2)
4
x3 = x4 The index is 4 and the exponent is 3.

(2a )5
1
5
2a = The index is 5 and the exponent is 1.
3)

( )
3
The index is 2 and the exponent is 3. The number 5 is not
3
4) 5 y = 5 y 2

included in the parenthesis so the fractional exponent is

only for y.
(EASE Module 2005)

14
III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED
A. Write each rational expression in radical form.
3 5 2 2

5) (3x )5
2
1) a 2) m 3) 2x 4) 3x 5
4 6 3

B. Write in exponential form.

3
1.)√7𝑎 2) 3
27p 6 3) 4
81x 8 y 16 4) √25𝑤 4 5) 8m6 n9

(EASE Module 2005)

POST-TEST:
Transform the given radical form into exponential form, and exponential
form into radical form. Assume that all the variables represent positive real
numbers. Copy and answer on a separate sheet of paper/notebook.
Radical Form Exponential Form
3
1. √11x2
1
2. (26)4
2
3. 3
(5a b )
2 3

3
4. √y5
4n
5. -29√m5 p
(Bryant et al. 2014)

REFERENCES
Bryant, M., et al. 2014. Mathematics Grade 9 Learner’s Module First
Edition. Pasig City: DedEd-IMCS

Radicals. 2005. EASE Module 2, Year 2. DepEd

15
 SYNOPSIS ANSWER KEY
This Self Learning Kit (SLK) is focused on
problem solving in Mathematics especially
on transforming expression with rational 3. √25a b
6 4 3

exponents into radicals and vice versa. 2

5. -29 (m5 p)
4n
2. √26
4
1
It is hoped that through this SLK, y
4. ( 5 ) 1. (11x2 )3
learners are helped in developing their skills
3 2
1 1

and knowledge that are relevant in real-life

POSTTEST

situations.
5. (8m6 n9 )3 5. √9x
25
1
4. (25w4 )2 4. 3 √x2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
5
1
3. (81x8 y16 )4 3. 2 √x2
3
1
2. (27p6 )3 2. √m5
6
1
1. (7a)2 1. √a3
1 4
B. A.
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED:
B = √x4 -9
3
6. A= (x2 +3)3 (x2 -3)3
1 1

4p (2p )
4 2 2
√ ඨ 5.
9 3 32 3

CHRISTIAN EVEN D. SANTILLAN is a Teacher I 3 √b 3 √b 4.

of La Libertad Technical-Vocational School. ⬚ 3 ⬚ 3
√125 √53 3.
He finished Bachelor of Secondary
4 4
B A
Education Major in Mathematics at Negros ACTIVIY 2
Oriental State University Main Campus in t3
3.
2017.
s6
5. -3e2 f5 2. x4z2
6 1
m20
1 4. 1. 542
n7 47
1
ACTIVITY 1
PRETEST:

16
 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

NILITA L. RAGAY, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

JOELYZA M. ARCILLA, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

MARCELO K. PALISPIS, EdD

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ELISA L. BAGUIO, EdD

Education Program Supervisor in MATH

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

CHRISTIAN EVEN D. SANTILLAN

Writer

CHRISTIAN EVEN D. SANTILLAN

Illustrator/Lay-out Artist

ALPHA QA TEAM
FLORENCIO BARTOLO JR.
TERESITA P. BUBOLE
MELBA S. TUMARONG

BETA QA TEAM
MELBA S. TUMARONG

ENHANCEMENT TEAM
TERESITA P. BUBOLE
CHERYL V. ACABAL
MELBA S. TUMARONG

17