College Algebra / Unit 1 Alg 057 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Rational Exponents: the 1/n Power
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The idea
A rational exponent of 1/n means the principal nth root: a^(1/n) = ⁿ√a.
In practice
8^(1/3) is ∛8 = 2, and 16^(1/4) is ⁴√16 = 2. The fraction upstairs is a root in disguise.
Where people slip
With an even index, the base cannot be negative.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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