1. Rational Exponents Simplifying Radical Expressions
MTH 100
Rational Exponents
Simplifying Radical Expressions

2. The Big Idea

3. Using Rational Exponents
The other exponent rules still apply.
Change radicals to rationals, apply the rules, then change back to radicals.

4. Multiplying/Dividing/Simplifying Radicals
When the indexes are the same, and you are multiplying or dividing, you can split the radicals up or you can put them back together.

5. The Perfects
Squares: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100,…, x2, x4, x6, x8,…
Cubes: 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, 216, 343, 512, 729, 1000,…, x3, x6, x9, x12,…
Fourths: 1, 16, 81, 256, 625, 1296, 2401, 4096, 6561, 1000,…, x4, x8, x12, x16,…