Solve Fourth and Sixth Roots: Multiplying √⁴3 × √⁶3

Radical Multiplication with Different Indices

Solve the following exercise:

3436= \sqrt[4]{3}\cdot\sqrt[6]{3}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following equation
00:03 The C root of the A value to the power of B
00:06 The result will be equal to the number to the power of B divided by C
00:10 Every number is essentially to the power of 1
00:13 We will use this formula in our exercise
00:16 When multiplying powers with equal bases
00:20 The power of the result equals the sum of the powers
00:23 We will use this formula in our exercise and add the powers
00:27 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

3436= \sqrt[4]{3}\cdot\sqrt[6]{3}=

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the given expression we use two laws of exponents:

A. Defining the root as an exponent:

an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a}=a^{\frac{1}{n}}

B. The law of exponents for multiplication between factors with the same bases:

aman=am+n a^m\cdot a^n=a^{m+n}

Let's start with converting the roots to exponents using the law of exponents shown in A:

3436=314316= \sqrt[\textcolor{red}{4}]{3}\cdot\sqrt[\textcolor{blue}{6}]{3}= \\ \downarrow\\ 3^{\frac{1}{\textcolor{red}{4}}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{\textcolor{blue}{6}}}=

We continue, since multiplication is performed between two factors with the same bases - we use the law of exponents shown in B:

314316=314+16 3^{\frac{1}{4}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{6}}= \\ \boxed{3^{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{6}}}

Therefore, the correct answer is answer D.

3

Final Answer

314+16 3^{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{6}}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Conversion Rule: Change radicals to exponential form using an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a} = a^{\frac{1}{n}}
  • Technique: Apply aman=am+n a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n} since both expressions have base 3
  • Check: Final answer 314+16 3^{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{6}} keeps exponents separate for clarity ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding the radical indices instead of the exponents
    Don't think 3436=310 \sqrt[4]{3} \cdot \sqrt[6]{3} = \sqrt[10]{3} ! This incorrectly adds indices (4+6=10) instead of following exponent rules. Always convert to exponential form first, then add the exponents: 14+16 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 112^0=\text{?} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add the radical indices like 4 + 6 = 10?

+

Because radical indices don't add directly! You must first convert to exponential form: 34=314 \sqrt[4]{3} = 3^{\frac{1}{4}} and 36=316 \sqrt[6]{3} = 3^{\frac{1}{6}} , then add the exponents.

Do I need to calculate the actual decimal value of the answer?

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No! The exact form 314+16 3^{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{6}} is the most precise answer. Converting to decimals would introduce rounding errors and lose mathematical accuracy.

What if the bases were different numbers?

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If the bases were different (like 3456 \sqrt[4]{3} \cdot \sqrt[6]{5} ), you cannot combine them using exponent rules. The multiplication rule only works when the bases are identical.

How do I add fractions like 1/4 + 1/6?

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Find the LCD (Least Common Denominator): LCD of 4 and 6 is 12. Convert: 14=312 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{12} and 16=212 \frac{1}{6} = \frac{2}{12} , so 14+16=512 \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{5}{12} .

Can I leave the answer as 3^(1/4 + 1/6) without adding the fractions?

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Yes! Both 314+16 3^{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{6}} and 3512 3^{\frac{5}{12}} are correct. The first form clearly shows the work, while the second is more simplified.

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