Math Problem Statement

Solve for a

Solve for a in the equation: (x^(1/3))^5 / (x^5)^(1/4) = x^a

Solution

The equation shown is:

(x13)5x54=xa\frac{\left(x^{\frac{1}{3}}\right)^5}{\sqrt[4]{x^5}} = x^a

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Simplify the numerator: (x13)5=x53\left(x^{\frac{1}{3}}\right)^5 = x^{\frac{5}{3}} Using the power of a power rule: (xm)n=xmn(x^m)^n = x^{m \cdot n}.

  2. Simplify the denominator: x54=x54\sqrt[4]{x^5} = x^{\frac{5}{4}} Using the rule: xmn=xmn\sqrt[n]{x^m} = x^{\frac{m}{n}}.

  3. Write the entire expression: x53x54\frac{x^{\frac{5}{3}}}{x^{\frac{5}{4}}} When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: xmxn=xmn\frac{x^m}{x^n} = x^{m - n}.

  4. Subtract the exponents: 5354=20121512=512\frac{5}{3} - \frac{5}{4} = \frac{20}{12} - \frac{15}{12} = \frac{5}{12} So the expression simplifies to: x512x^{\frac{5}{12}}

  5. Equate this to xax^a: x512=xax^{\frac{5}{12}} = x^a

  6. Conclusion: Since the bases are the same, the exponents must be equal: a=512a = \frac{5}{12}

Thus, a=512a = \frac{5}{12}.


Would you like more details or have any questions about this?

Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. How do you apply the exponent rules in multiplication and division of powers?
  2. Can you simplify x63\sqrt[3]{x^6} using fractional exponents?
  3. What happens if the base of the powers in the equation are different?
  4. How would the solution change if the numerator had a different exponent?
  5. What is the general form for converting radical expressions to exponents?

Tip: When solving equations with exponents, always use exponent rules like multiplication, division, and powers of powers to simplify expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Exponent Rules
Fractional Exponents

Formulas

Power of a power rule: (x^m)^n = x^(m*n)
Division of exponents: (x^m) / (x^n) = x^(m-n)
Radical as fractional exponents: √[n](x^m) = x^(m/n)

Theorems

Exponent Rules
Power of a Power Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12