Question

Write √a^8a^3 as an algebraic expression using a rational exponent

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

I assume that the whole expression a⁸a³ is under the square root.

then remember 2 things :

1. when multiplying the same base variable (or constant) the result is that single base variable (or constant) to the power of the sum of the exponents.

e.g. x³x² = x⁵ because

x×x×x × x×x = x×x×x×x×x = x⁵

2. a square root as exponent is 1/2.

a cubic root is 1/3 and so on.

therefore

sqrt(a⁸a³) = sqrt(a¹¹) = a^11/2