Math Problem Statement

Simplify the radical: cube root of (81a^3).

Solution

The expression provided in the image is:

81a33\sqrt[3]{81a^3}

We are asked to simplify this expression, assuming all variables represent positive numbers.

Steps to Simplify:

  1. Break down the constant 8181 into its prime factors: 81=3481 = 3^4

  2. Rewrite the entire expression using this factorization: (34)(a3)3\sqrt[3]{(3^4) \cdot (a^3)}

  3. Apply the cube root to both terms:

    • For 343^4, recall that 343=34/3\sqrt[3]{3^4} = 3^{4/3}, which simplifies to: 34/3=3333^{4/3} = 3 \cdot \sqrt[3]{3}
    • For a3a^3, we know that a33=a\sqrt[3]{a^3} = a.
  4. Combine the results: 3a333a \cdot \sqrt[3]{3}

So, the simplified form of the expression is: 3a333a \cdot \sqrt[3]{3}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. How would this process change for a square root instead of a cube root?
  2. What happens if aa is a negative number? Does the simplification still hold?
  3. Can you simplify expressions with higher powers, like the 5th or 7th root, similarly?
  4. How would you simplify an expression with multiple variables, such as 27b6c93\sqrt[3]{27b^6c^9}?
  5. How can you apply this method to solve radical equations?

Tip: Breaking numbers into their prime factors often helps when simplifying radicals!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Radicals
Exponents
Simplification

Formulas

Cube root: \( \sqrt[3]{x^n} = x^{n/3} \)
Prime factorization of 81: \( 81 = 3^4 \)

Theorems

Properties of exponents and radicals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11