How To Simplify Rational Exponents

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Mr. Pi

This lesson covers how to simplify rational exponents in exponent form using the properties of exponents and is the second part to my blog post on Radical Form and Rational Exponents. Working with rational is an algebra 2, but the properties of exponents learned in algebra 1 with integer exponents apply. Here is a list of the properties of exponents for review:

  • Product of Powers  a^{m} \cdot a^{n} = a^{m+n}
  • Power of Powers   (a^{m})^{n} = a^{mn}
  • Power of a Monomial (ab)^{m} = a^{m}b^{m}
  • Negative Exponent a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^{n}}
  • Quotient of Powers \frac{a^{m}}{a^{n}} = a^{m-n}
  • Power of a Quotient  (\frac{a}{b})^m = \frac{a^{m}}{b^{m}}

The first section of the video reviews the above list of properties.

The second part of the video (example 4T part a) simplifying the expression (-32)^{\frac{3}{5}}. There are two methods to simplify this expression. The first method that is modeled is using the properties of exponents and the second method modeled is converting the rational exponent into a radical and a power. Either method that is used requires the problem solver to figure out “what number can be raised to the n power to get the original number?”

Example 4T part b is similar to part a, but the exponent is expressed as a mixed decimal number. To evaluate this expression, the mixed decimal number needs to be converted to an improper fraction. Then either method modeled in part a can be applied.

Finally, example 5T involve a more complicated expression to simplify and it involves negative exponents. The key concept to know is that all negative exponents need to be expressed as positive exponents.

Enjoy the video and feel free to post any questions in the comment section.

Regards,

Mr. Pi

Filed under: Algebra 2, Rational Exponents, Simplest Radical Form | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Rational Exponents and Radical Form

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Mr. Pi

This video math lesson introduces the connection between radical form and rational exponents. The first example establishes the connection between the index and the denominator. It models evaluation three real number expressions.

The definition of Rational Exponents in Radical Form is explored and example two should help in reinforcing the fact that the numerator is determines the power and the denominator determines the index.

Example 3 is a word problem. As many of my students in class complained or should I say, voiced their concern over covering a word problem. It is just an application of a known equation with two variables. You have to two things

1. Identify what you must find
2. Identify what you are given

Once you do that it is quite easy. You will see in the video. Enjoy.

Follow this link to read and watch more about rational exponents.

Filed under: Algebra 2, Radical Functions, Rational Exponents | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

Pythagorean Theorem

Posted on September 23, 2009 by Mr. Pi

The Pythagorean Theorem has been around for a long time. The embedded video covers writing square root expressions in simplest radical form. I cover this topic, because it is an algebra 1 topic that is usually forgotten by most geometry students, so I thought a short review would be good before covering the Pythagorean Theorem. If you have a question, leave a comment.

Filed under: Geometry, Pythagorean Theorem, Simplest Radical Form | Tagged: , , | 6 Comments »