1. Help with an exponent

Im trying to learn algebra because i slacked in highschool so my friend is teaching me but is at school and i cant figure out how to do a problem. my issue is im not sure what to do with the 3/2. The directions say to "Perform the operations and simplify"

2. Re: Help with an exponent

Do you know the important basic rules like $x^{a}\cdot x^{b}=x^{?}$, $(x^{a})^{b}=x^{?}$ and $\frac{x^{a}}{x^{b}}=x^{?}$

3. Re: Help with an exponent

Use the following identities:

$(uv)^a=u^av^a$

$(u^a)^b=u^{ab}$

$\frac{u^a}{u^b}=u^{a-b}$ if $u\ne0$.

So, every time you see an expression that matches the left-hand side of an identity, you can rewrite the expression. For example, $(2x^2)^{3/2}$ matches $(uv)^a$ where $u=2$, $v=x^2$ and $a=3/2$. Therefore, $(2x^2)^{3/2}=2^{3/2}(x^2)^{3/2}$.

It is also pretty easy to use mathematical notation on this forum. For example, [TEX]2^{3/2}(x^2)^{3/2}[/TEX] produces $2^{3/2}(x^2)^{3/2}$. Note that if the exponent consists of more than one symbol, it has to be wrapped in {}. You can also click "Reply with Quote" button to see the code of any post.

4. Re: Help with an exponent

My friend ended up being able to help me, thanks anyways. sorry for the late response.