simplify the radical . assume that all variables represent positive numbers. 3rd root of 343 x to the 4th power y to the 5th power _______ ³Ö343x4y5 Break everything down to primes 343 = 7·7·7 x4 = x·x·x·x y5 = y·y·y·y·y So we have this _______________________ ³Ö7·7·7·x·x·x·x·y·y·y·y·y Since it's a cube root (i.e. "third root"), we use parentheses to group into all possible groups of three like factors each: _____________________________ ³Ö(7·7·7)·(x·x·x)·x·(y·y·y)·y·y Now each of the groups of three can be rewritten as a cube. (7·7·7) = 7³, (x·x·x) = x³, and (y·y·y) = y³, So now we have: ______________ ³Ö7³·x³·x·y³·y·y Now take the cube roots of the cubes under the radical. That is take the cubes outside in front of the radical without the cube exponent. What did not group stays under the radical. _____ 7·x·y·³Öx·y·y or simplifying, ___ 7xy·³Öxy² Edwin