Math Problem Statement

a7b69ab\frac{\sqrt[9]{a^7b^6}}{\sqrt{ab}}Use rational exponents to simplify the following. If you still have rational exponents after simplifying, convert the expression back to radical notation. Assume all variables represent positive numbers

Solution

To simplify the given expression, follow these steps:

Expression:

a7b69ab\frac{\sqrt[9]{a^7b^6}}{\sqrt{ab}}

Step 1: Write the radicals as exponents

  • Recall that xn=x1/n\sqrt[n]{x} = x^{1/n}.
  • Rewrite the expression:

(a7b6)1/9(ab)1/2\frac{(a^7b^6)^{1/9}}{(ab)^{1/2}}

Step 2: Distribute the exponents

  • Apply the exponent 19\frac{1}{9} to a7a^7 and b6b^6 in the numerator:

a7/9b6/9a1/2b1/2\frac{a^{7/9}b^{6/9}}{a^{1/2}b^{1/2}}

  • Simplify 6/96/9 in the numerator:

a7/9b2/3a1/2b1/2\frac{a^{7/9}b^{2/3}}{a^{1/2}b^{1/2}}

Step 3: Simplify the exponents

  • Use the rule xm/xn=xmnx^m / x^n = x^{m-n} to simplify the powers of aa and bb:

a7/91/2b2/31/2a^{7/9 - 1/2}b^{2/3 - 1/2}

Step 4: Find common denominators

  • For 7/91/27/9 - 1/2, find the common denominator (18):

79=1418,12=918,so 7/91/2=1418918=518.\frac{7}{9} = \frac{14}{18}, \quad \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{18}, \quad \text{so } 7/9 - 1/2 = \frac{14}{18} - \frac{9}{18} = \frac{5}{18}.

  • For 2/31/22/3 - 1/2, find the common denominator (6):

23=46,12=36,so 2/31/2=4636=16.\frac{2}{3} = \frac{4}{6}, \quad \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{6}, \quad \text{so } 2/3 - 1/2 = \frac{4}{6} - \frac{3}{6} = \frac{1}{6}.

Step 5: Combine the results

  • The simplified expression becomes:

a5/18b1/6.a^{5/18}b^{1/6}.

Step 6: Convert back to radical notation

  • Rewrite the exponents as radicals:
    • a5/18=a518a^{5/18} = \sqrt[18]{a^5},
    • b1/6=b6b^{1/6} = \sqrt[6]{b}.

Thus, the final expression in radical notation is:

[ \sqrt[18]{a^5} \cdot \sqrt[6]{b}. ]


Would you like a step-by-step verification or details on any specific part? Here are related questions:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with different radicals like this?
  2. What are the rules for combining fractional exponents?
  3. How do you convert between exponents and radical notation?
  4. Why is finding a common denominator necessary when subtracting exponents?
  5. Can you explain more about the assumptions for positive variables in this context?

Tip: Always simplify fractional exponents by finding the least common denominator; this ensures the process is systematic and accurate.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Exponents
Radical Expressions
Exponent Rules
Simplification

Formulas

\sqrt[n]{x} = x^{1/n}
x^m / x^n = x^{m-n}

Theorems

Distributive property of exponents
Simplifying fractional exponents

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12