SOLUTION: I am trying to figure out how to rewrite a fraction using prime bases raised to powers. Problem #1 1/36 How do I do this. The book doesn't have an explantion. Thanks

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: I am trying to figure out how to rewrite a fraction using prime bases raised to powers. Problem #1 1/36 How do I do this. The book doesn't have an explantion. Thanks      Log On


   

Question 21989: I am trying to figure out how to rewrite a fraction using prime bases raised to powers.
Problem #1 1/36 How do I do this. The book doesn't have an explantion.
Thanks
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Break down 36 into 4 *9, then break down the 4= 2*2 and 9 = 3*3
36=+2%5E2%2A3%5E2

Notice that if you had said 36=6*6, then 6= 2*3, you would have had
36=+2%2A3%2A2%2A3=+2%5E2%2A3%5E2. It always comes out the same, no matter how you do it, PROVIDED YOU COME DOWN TO PRIME NUMBERS!

R^2 at SCC