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College Algebra / Unit 4   Alg 224 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Equations with Rational Exponents

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The idea

A rational-exponent equation is solved by raising both sides to the exponent's reciprocal, returning the variable to the first power.

In practice

x^(3/2) = 8: raise both sides to 2/3, so x = 8^(2/3) = 4 — and the check runs 4^(3/2) = 8.

Where people slip

Even denominators bring Video 217's audit along.

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