Final answer:
An expression in radical form can be converted to rational exponent form by representing the radical as a fraction, for example, the square root of x (
) is x raised to the power of 1/2 (x¹²). We use simple rules for multiplying, dividing, and raising to powers when working with exponents and radicals to rewrite expressions in equivalent forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
An expression written in radical form can be rewritten in an equivalent rational exponent form, and vice versa. For instance, the square root of a number, say x, can be represented as
which is the same as x raised to the power of 1/2, or x¹². The rules for handling these expressions include:
When multiplying two exponents with the same base, we add the exponents.
When dividing exponentials, we subtract the exponents of the exponential terms.
When raising an exponent to another power, we multiply the exponents.
These rules are the basics of dealing with expressions involving exponents and radicals, making it easier to manipulate and simplify equations.