SOLUTION: This is my first time here not sure I picked the correct topic but here it is the question that my online Contemporary Math Professor gave us for our Discussion Board. While the

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: This is my first time here not sure I picked the correct topic but here it is the question that my online Contemporary Math Professor gave us for our Discussion Board. While the      Log On


   

Question 52471: This is my first time here not sure I picked the correct topic but here it is the question that my online Contemporary Math Professor gave us for our Discussion Board.
While the radical symbol is widely used, converting to rational exponents has advantages. Explain an advantage of rational exponents over the radical sign. Include in your answer an example of an equation easier to solve as a rational exponent rather then a radical sign.

Thank you for you help.
Lisa
Answer by darq(90) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a%5E%281%2F2%29 and sqrt%28a%29

for example if you want to multiply the squareroot, cuberoot and elseroot of a variable you will have to convert it into radical.

sqrt%28a%29* cube root of x
(can not write in root form but think it is in cuberoot)

we are not able do it.

but a%5E%281%2F2%29%2A+a%5E%281%2F3%29
a%5E%281%2F2%2B1%2F3%29
a%5E%285%2F6%29

we were able to do it in this way. we only have one term instead of two; and this can be a great example. you can easily multiple/divide variables with radicals; but if we have roots we will unnecessarely need to convert the variable with root into the variable with radical power. Waste of time and effort.