SOLUTION: Please help me solve this, thanks. (a-1)^1/3=-3

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Question 230533: Please help me solve this, thanks.
(a-1)^1/3=-3
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is a case of a math equation that LOOKS very INTIMIDATING, but it's not nearly as hard as it looks.

%28a-1%29%5E%281%2F3%29=-3

You have to "undo" the exponent, by raising both sides of the equation to the 3 power like this:

%28%28a-1%29%5E%281%2F3%29%29%5E3+=+%28-3%29%5E3
a-1=-27

Add +1 to each side:
a-1%2B1=-27%2B1
a=-26

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus