SOLUTION: How do you solve 2^5/2 - 2^3/2? The fractions are fractional exponents (not mixed numbers). The answer is supposed to be 2^3/2 according to the answer key. I've seen this problem s

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: How do you solve 2^5/2 - 2^3/2? The fractions are fractional exponents (not mixed numbers). The answer is supposed to be 2^3/2 according to the answer key. I've seen this problem s      Log On


   

Question 637251: How do you solve 2^5/2 - 2^3/2? The fractions are fractional exponents (not mixed numbers). The answer is supposed to be 2^3/2 according to the answer key. I've seen this problem solved on this website elsewhere but for some reason the experts keep treating these fractions as mixed numbers. Please treat the fractions as exponents. Thank you!
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, MathLover1:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2^5/2 - 2^3/2
----------------
= sqrt%282%5E5%29+-+sqrt%282%5E3%29
= sqrt%282%5E4%29%2Asqrt%282%29+-+sqrt%282%5E2%29%2Asqrt%282%29
= 4sqrt%282%29+-+2sqrt%282%29
= 2sqrt%282%29
= 2%5E%283%2F2%29

Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2%5E5%2F2+-2%5E3%2F2=2%2A2%2A2%2A2%2A2%2F2+-2%2A2%2A2%2F2=32%2F2-8%2F2=16-4=12
as you can see, the 2%5E3%2F2 is not a solution , and it could not be because you are subtracting that from 2%5E5%2F2