Thread: Equations with fractional exponents.

I have to solve a few equations that are similar to radial equations. I know how fractional exponents relate to square roots but I have something majorly wrong in my operations. I can't solve any of these. Here's one I could use help with. If I see enough steps I can easily apply it to the rest.



It's supposed to read 5x to the 5/3rd power.

I have a test tomorrow and I'm trying to get a grip on some of this stuff that I'm not understanding. Oddly enough I can handle quadratics with fractional exponents already, I just can't do this simpler version.

Originally Posted by Turtle13

I have to solve a few equations that are similar to radial equations. I know how fractional exponents relate to square roots but I have something majorly wrong in my operations. I can't solve any of these. Here's one I could use help with. If I see enough steps I can easily apply it to the rest.



It's supposed to read 5x to the 5/3rd power.

I have a test tomorrow and I'm trying to get a grip on some of this stuff that I'm not understanding. Oddly enough I can handle quadratics with fractional exponents already, I just can't do this simpler version.

you mean ?

Note that this means

raise both sides to the 3/5 power (do you see why?) you get



which i think you can finish off

Yes, that helps immensely. I was able to solve them all with no problems.

BTW, how do I properly type that fractional exponent with the math brackets?

Originally Posted by Turtle13

Yes, that helps immensely. I was able to solve them all with no problems.

BTW, how do I properly type that fractional exponent with the math brackets?

if an argument or power has more than one elements in it, you must include it is {} brackets.

[tex]x^2/3[/tex] gives

while

[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] gives

Originally Posted by Jhevon

if an argument or power has more than one elements in it, you must include it is {} brackets.

[tex]x^2/3[/tex] gives

while

[tex]x^{2/3}[/tex] gives

Or....

[tex]x^{\tfrac{2}{3}}[/tex] gives you , but I kinda like yours better. It's easier to read.

Originally Posted by masters

Or....

[tex]x^{\frac{2}{3}}[/tex] gives you , but I kinda like yours better. It's easier to read.

indeed, i usually use \frac in a power only if the base is huge, like


in that case, the power might look too small, so you can use \tfrac:

Originally Posted by Jhevon

in that case, the power might look too small, so you can use \tfrac:

Yeah, \tfrac looks better.

\frac:

\tfrac: