SOLUTION: The assignment is as follows: Look at the expressions below. Write a narrative description of what you would do to simplify each one. 1. (16)^(1/2) 2. √100 I struggl

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: The assignment is as follows: Look at the expressions below. Write a narrative description of what you would do to simplify each one. 1. (16)^(1/2) 2. √100 I struggl      Log On


   

Question 252151: The assignment is as follows:
Look at the expressions below. Write a narrative description of what you would do to simplify each one.
1. (16)^(1/2)
2. √100
I struggle with these kind of assignments. I’m not sure how to interpret the assignment. My first thought is the answer is simply “I would calculate the square root of each number”. That is what I “would” do to simplify each one. Does anyone have any thoughts on what the instructor is looking for? Thanks!
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since %2816%29%5E%281%2F2%29%5E%22%22=sqrt%2816%29, you are correct in saying that you are going to take the square root of each number. One way you can do it is to write 16 as 4%5E2 and 100 as 10%5E2 and then realize that sqrt%28x%5E2%29=x (where x%3E=0. So this means that sqrt%2816%29=sqrt%284%5E2%29=4.