Solve (x²×a³)^(1/4): Fourth Root of Multiple Variables

Exponent Rules with Fractional Powers

Solve the following problem:

(x2×a3)14= ? (x^2\times a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}=\text{ ?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Alright, let's begin.
00:11 We'll use the multiplication power rule.
00:15 This means, when you multiply numbers and raise them to an exponent, N,
00:20 it's like raising each number to the power of N separately.
00:24 We'll apply this rule in our exercise.
00:34 Next, we'll use the power of a power rule.
00:38 So, A to the power of M, then to the power of N,
00:43 equals A to the power of M times N.
00:48 And we'll use this in our exercise as well.
00:52 Let's start by calculating the powers.
00:55 Then, we'll simplify the fractions as much as possible.
00:59 And that's how we find the solution to our problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

(x2×a3)14= ? (x^2\times a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}=\text{ ?}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve this in two stages. In the first stage, we'll use the rule for a power of a product in parentheses:

(zt)n=zntn (z\cdot t)^n=z^n\cdot t^n

This rule states states that, when raising a product in parentheses to a power, each factor in the product is raised to that power when expanding the parentheses.

Let's apply this rule to our problem:

(x2a3)14=(x2)14(a3)14 (x^2\cdot a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}=(x^2)^{\frac{1}{4}}\cdot(a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}

For our problem, when opening the parentheses, we apply the power to each factor of the product separately; However given that each of these factors is being raised to a power, we do this carefully and use parentheses.

Next, we'll use the power rule for a power of a power:

(bm)n=bmn (b^m)^n=b^{m\cdot n}

Let's apply this rule to our expression:

(x2)14(a3)14=x214a314=x24a34=x12a34 (x^2)^{\frac{1}{4}}\cdot(a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}}=x^{2\cdot\frac{1}{4}}\cdot a^{3\cdot\frac{1}{4}}=x^{\frac{2}{4}}\cdot a^{\frac{3}{4}}=x^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot a^{\frac{3}{4}}

In the second stage, we performed the multiplication in the exponents of the factors we obtained, while remembering that multiplying fractions means multiplying their numerators and then, in the final stage, we simplified the fraction in the power of the first factor in the resulting product.

Therefore, the correct answer is answer A.

3

Final Answer

x12×a34 x^{\frac{1}{2}}\times a^{\frac{3}{4}}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Power of Product Rule: Distribute the outer exponent to each factor inside
  • Power of Power Rule: Multiply exponents: (x2)14=x214=x12 (x^2)^{\frac{1}{4}} = x^{2 \cdot \frac{1}{4}} = x^{\frac{1}{2}}
  • Check: Verify by substituting values and ensuring the result makes sense ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents instead of multiplying when raising a power to a power
    Don't add exponents like (x²)^(1/4) = x^(2+1/4) = x^(9/4) - this gives completely wrong results! Adding only works for multiplying powers with the same base. Always multiply the exponents when raising a power to another power: (x²)^(1/4) = x^(2×1/4) = x^(1/2).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I distribute the 1/4 to both x² and a³?

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The power of a product rule says that when you raise a product to a power, each factor gets raised to that power. So (x2×a3)14=(x2)14×(a3)14 (x^2 \times a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}} = (x^2)^{\frac{1}{4}} \times (a^3)^{\frac{1}{4}} .

How do I multiply fractions in exponents like 2 × 1/4?

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Multiply the whole number by the numerator: 2×14=2×14=24=12 2 \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{2 \times 1}{4} = \frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2} . Then simplify if possible!

What does x^(1/2) mean exactly?

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x12 x^{\frac{1}{2}} is the square root of x! Any fractional exponent 1/n means the nth root. So x14 x^{\frac{1}{4}} is the fourth root of x.

Can I work from left to right instead of using exponent rules?

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It's much harder and error-prone! The exponent rules are shortcuts that guarantee correct answers. Without them, you'd have to work with complex roots and powers step by step.

How do I know when to use which exponent rule?

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Look at the structure:

  • Product inside parentheses with outer exponent → Power of Product Rule
  • Power raised to another power → Power of Power Rule (multiply exponents)

What if I get confused about which exponents to multiply?

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Write it step by step with parentheses: (x2)14 (x^2)^{\frac{1}{4}} means "x to the 2nd power, then raise that whole thing to the 1/4 power." So multiply: 2 × 1/4.

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