Question 719461
x^(1/3) + x^(1/2)
can this not be simplified into one term?<br>
No.<br>
is it x to the (5/6)?<br>
No. You add exponents <i>only</i> when you're multiplying factors, not when you're adding terms.<br>
When adding terms you must have like terms or you cannot add them. The <u>only</u> role exponents play when adding terms is in the determination of like terms. x^(1/3) and x^(1/2) are not like terms <i>because the exponents are different!</i> Since they are not like terms you cannot add them together.<br>
When you do have like terms, like 2x^4 + 3x^4, you add the coefficients <i>and leave the exponents alone!</i> 2x^4 + 3x^4 = 5x^4