Math Problem Statement

Use the properties of exponents to determine the value of a,a for the equation:

left parenthesis, x, squared, right parenthesis, start superscript, one fifth, end superscript, start root, start index, 5, end index, x, end root, equals, x, to the power a

(x2)51​5x​=xa

Solution

Let's break down the given equation step by step:

The equation is:

(x2)15x5=xa\left( x^2 \right)^{\frac{1}{5}} \cdot \sqrt[5]{x} = x^a

Step 1: Simplify (x2)15\left( x^2 \right)^{\frac{1}{5}}

Using the property of exponents (xm)n=xmn(x^m)^n = x^{m \cdot n}, we can simplify (x2)15\left( x^2 \right)^{\frac{1}{5}} as follows:

(x2)15=x215=x25\left( x^2 \right)^{\frac{1}{5}} = x^{2 \cdot \frac{1}{5}} = x^{\frac{2}{5}}

Step 2: Simplify x5\sqrt[5]{x}

The fifth root of xx is the same as raising xx to the power of 15\frac{1}{5}:

x5=x15\sqrt[5]{x} = x^{\frac{1}{5}}

Step 3: Combine both terms

Now, we can combine the terms on the left side of the equation:

x25x15x^{\frac{2}{5}} \cdot x^{\frac{1}{5}}

Using the property of exponents xmxn=xm+nx^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n}, we add the exponents:

x25+15=x35x^{\frac{2}{5} + \frac{1}{5}} = x^{\frac{3}{5}}

Step 4: Set the equation equal to xax^a

Now the equation looks like this:

x35=xax^{\frac{3}{5}} = x^a

Step 5: Solve for aa

Since the bases are the same (both xx), we can set the exponents equal to each other:

35=a\frac{3}{5} = a

Thus, the value of aa is:

a=35a = \frac{3}{5}


Would you like further clarification on any of these steps? Here are a few related questions to explore:

  1. How does the exponent rule (xm)n=xmn(x^m)^n = x^{m \cdot n} work in more complex examples?
  2. Can you apply the same process to roots with other powers, such as square roots or cube roots?
  3. What happens if the exponents have negative values in equations like this?
  4. How can we use these exponent properties when solving equations with fractional exponents?
  5. How do you solve equations that involve both multiplication and division of exponents?

Tip: When working with exponents, always remember the basic rules, especially for powers and roots. Simplifying terms step by step helps avoid mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Roots
Algebra

Formulas

(x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
x^m * x^n = x^(m+n)
x^(1/n) = nth root of x

Theorems

Exponent rules
Properties of exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11