Chapter 7 Section 2

Rational Exponents
Page 515
 What are Rational Exponents?
• Exponents that are fractions
• The properties of rational exponents are the same for properties for
integer exponents.
 Definitions of
If represents a real number and n ≥ 2 is an integer then

If n is even, a must be nonnegative.

If n is odd, a can be any real number.

Note: note the denominator and the index.

Radical Notation, Exponential Notation
Radical Notation: Radical sign is used.
• Example:

Exponential Notation: Exponents are used.

• Example:
Using the definition
Use radical notation to rewrite the expression. Simplify, if possible

•
 Check the definition again.

or

Radical’s index becomes the exponent’s denominator.

Radicand become the base.
 Rewrite with rational exponents

a)

b)
 Observe
what do you notice?
•

•
 Definition of

and

Numerator of the exponent become the exponent of the base

Denominator of the exponent become the root index.
 Use the definition
Use radical notation to rewrite and simplify.

•
Rewrite with rational exponents

•
Rewrite with positive exponents and simplify

•
An expression with rational exponents is
simplified when

• No parentheses appear.
• No powers are raised to powers.
• Each base occurs only once.
• No negative or zero exponents appear.
Properties of Rational Exponents – Page 519
•
 Simplify completely

a)

b)

c)
Simplify completely. Use rational exponents

a)

b)

c)
 Summary
• Rational exponent
exponent denominator is the root index
=
• radical expression
root index is the denominator of the fractional exponent
=