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  • May 8, 2007, 04:07 PM
    Cortiek09
    Properties of rational exponents
    I have the problem and I have the answer but I can't make the two meet. HELP! :eek:

    Problem (125 2/9 * 125 1/9)/5 1/4

    Answer 5 3/4
  • May 9, 2007, 10:16 AM
    ebaines
    Cortiek - your "typewriter" math doesn't make the question easy to understand, but I think I know what you're asking. I believe the problem properly stated is as follows:

    (125^2/9 * 125^1/9)/(5^1/4) = 5^3/4, where the ^ signifies an exponent (for example, 2^3 = 2 cubed = 8).

    OK: just remember that when you multiply two of the same numbers that are raised to different exponents, you add the exponents. And when you divide two of the same numbers raised to different exponents you subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. Thus for example: 2^3 * 2^4 = 2^7, and 2^7/2^4 = 2^3. You also need to know what an exponent that's a fraction signifies - for example, do you know how to evaluate 8^1/3? Hope this helps.

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