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RATIONAL EXPONENTS

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Definition of Number with a Rational Exponent

where a is a real number and n is a positive integer

Rational Exponents 2
Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.
Answer numbers 2,4,5,8&9

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5.

Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents 3


SIMPLIFYING
EXPRESSIONS WITH
RATIONAL
EXPONENTS
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Recall: Laws of Integral Exponents
Let m, n and p be a positive integer.

Product Rule

if m > n

if m = n where x ≠ 0
Quotient Rule

if m < n

Power Rule

Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents 5


Recall: Laws of Integral Exponents
Let m, n and p be a positive integer.

Power of a Product

Power of a Quotient where y ≠ 0

Negative Power where x ≠ 0

Zero Power where x ≠ 0

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Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5.

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Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.

1. 2.

Express 81 as Express 125 as


a power of 9 a power of 5

Simplify Simplify

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Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.

3. 4.

Express 216 as Express 125 as


a power of 6 a power of 5

Simplify Simplify

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Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.

5. 6.
By power of a
Express -32 as product
a power of -2
Simplify the
exponents
Simplify
Express 4 as a
power of 2
Simplify

Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents 10


Simplifying Expressions with Rational Exponents
Simplify each expression. Assume that all expressions are defined.

7.

Express 49 as
a power of 7

Simplify

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