Question

Evaluate the left hand side to find the value of a in the simplest form.

Answer 1

a =
`(7)/(4)`

Explanation:

Using the rule of exponents

`a^(m)` ×
`a^(n)` =
`a^((m+n))` , then

x ×
`x^{(3)/(4) }` =
`x^{(1+(3)/(4)) }` =
`x^{((4)/(4)+(3)/(4)) }` =
`x^{(7)/(4) }` , so

`x^{(7)/(4) }` =
`x^(a)`

Since the bases on both sides are x, then equate the exponents.

a =
`(7)/(4)`