SOLUTION: This problem I am completely confused I'm not sure what to do with it. (16/81)^-1/4

Algebra ->  Test -> SOLUTION: This problem I am completely confused I'm not sure what to do with it. (16/81)^-1/4      Log On


   

Question 697208: This problem I am completely confused I'm not sure what to do with it. (16/81)^-1/4
Found 2 solutions by lynnlo, josmiceli:
Answer by lynnlo(4176) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(16/81)^-1/4
(16/81)-1=5.0625
5.0625/4

Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a general rule is:
+a%5E%28-b%29+=+%281%2Fa%29%5Eb+
So, you have
+a+=+16%2F81+
+-b+=+-1%2F4+
and
+1%2Fa+=+81%2F16+
+b+=+1%2F4+
-------------------
+%28+16%2F81+%29%5E%28-1%2F4%29+=+%28+81%2F16+%29%5E%281%2F4%29+
and, since
+81%2F16+=+%28+3%2A3%2A3%2A3+%29+%2F+%28+2%2A2%2A2%2A2+%29+, then
%28+81%2F16+%29%5E%281%2F4%29+=+3%2F2+
-----------------------------
You can check it on your calculator:
+16%2F81+=+.19753+
Now do +.19753%5E%28-.25%29+=+1.5+