Math Problem Statement

Use the Law of Exponents to rewrite and simplify the expression √a√b/∛ab

Solution

To simplify the expression abab3\frac{\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b}}{\sqrt[3]{ab}} using the Law of Exponents, follow these steps:

  1. Express square roots and cube roots as exponents:

    • a=a1/2\sqrt{a} = a^{1/2}
    • b=b1/2\sqrt{b} = b^{1/2}
    • ab3=(ab)1/3\sqrt[3]{ab} = (ab)^{1/3}

    Therefore, the expression becomes:

    a1/2b1/2(ab)1/3\frac{a^{1/2} \cdot b^{1/2}}{(ab)^{1/3}}

  2. Rewrite the denominator:

    • (ab)1/3(ab)^{1/3} can be expressed as a1/3b1/3a^{1/3} \cdot b^{1/3}

    So, the expression now is:

    a1/2b1/2a1/3b1/3\frac{a^{1/2} \cdot b^{1/2}}{a^{1/3} \cdot b^{1/3}}

  3. Apply the Law of Exponents (subtract exponents):

    • For aa: a1/2a1/3=a1/21/3=a3/62/6=a1/6\frac{a^{1/2}}{a^{1/3}} = a^{1/2 - 1/3} = a^{3/6 - 2/6} = a^{1/6}
    • For bb: b1/2b1/3=b1/21/3=b3/62/6=b1/6\frac{b^{1/2}}{b^{1/3}} = b^{1/2 - 1/3} = b^{3/6 - 2/6} = b^{1/6}

    Thus, the simplified expression is:

    a1/6b1/6a^{1/6} \cdot b^{1/6}

  4. Combine the terms:

    a1/6b1/6=(ab)1/6a^{1/6} \cdot b^{1/6} = (ab)^{1/6}

So, the simplified expression is (ab)1/6(ab)^{1/6}.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How would the expression change if we had aba3\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} \cdot \sqrt[3]{a} instead?
  2. What if the denominator was a2b23\sqrt[3]{a^2b^2} instead of ab3\sqrt[3]{ab}?
  3. How do you simplify a2/3b1/4a1/2b1/3\frac{a^{2/3} \cdot b^{1/4}}{a^{1/2} \cdot b^{1/3}}?
  4. What is the simplified form of a2b34\sqrt[4]{a^2b^3}?
  5. How does the Law of Exponents apply when multiplying expressions with different bases?

Tip: When simplifying expressions involving roots and exponents, always convert the roots to fractional exponents before applying the laws of exponents.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Laws of Exponents
Roots and Radicals

Formulas

√a = a^(1/2)
∛a = a^(1/3)
(a^m)/(a^n) = a^(m-n)

Theorems

Law of Exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11