SOLUTION: simplify: (-2y^3)^3/5

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: simplify: (-2y^3)^3/5      Log On


   



Question 156467: simplify: (-2y^3)^3/5
Answer by gonzo(654) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28-2y%5E3%29%5E%283%2F5%29 = %28%28-2%29%2Ay%5E3%29%5E%283%2F5%29 = %28-2%29%5E%283%2F5%29+%2A+y%5E%283%2A3%2F5%29 = %28-2%29%5E%283%2F5%29%2Ay%5E%289%2F5%29 = -1.515716567+%2A+y%5E%289%2F5%29
.................
i believe this is the answer.
for some reason my calculator was giving me fits when i tried to solve (-2)^(3/5) directly.
it did, however, allow me to do (-2)^3 first and then do -8^(1/5) which i was able to confirm works with other numbers.
i checked with calculators on the web and discovered this is a common problem with calculators and fractional exponents.
fortunately (x)^(3/5) is the same as (x^3)^(1/5) and that works.
i'm reasonably certain this is the correct answer but you can wait for other tutors to confirm if you wish.