# Math Help - simplying expressions (indices)

1. ## simplying expressions (indices)

$
4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}
$

any help with this one? thanksss you

2. Originally Posted by jvignacio
$
4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}
$

any help with this one? thanksss you
I assume you want to make $x$ the subject and leave it in simplified form?

$4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$

Divide by $4$

$x = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3}}$

You cannot have a fraction with a surd on the denominator so change it's value to get the surd into the numerator. To do this, multiply the denominator and the denominator by $\sqrt{3}$.

$\frac{1}{4\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{(4)(\sqrt{3})(\sqrt{3})} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{(4)(3)} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$

$\therefore x = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$

3. Originally Posted by Air
I assume you want to make $x$ the subject and leave it in simplified form?

$4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$

Divide by $4$

$x = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3}}$

You cannot have a fraction with a surd on the denominator so change it's value to get the surd into the numerator. To do this, multiply the denominator and the denominator by $\sqrt{3}$.

$\frac{1}{4\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{(4)(\sqrt{3})(\sqrt{3})} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{(4)(3)} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$

$\therefore x = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$
thanks mate! but I dont need to solve for x, just simplify the expression

4. Originally Posted by jvignacio
thanks mate! but I dont need to solve for x, just simplify the expression
If the question is $4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$, like you said, and all it says is 'simplify the expression' then I would have leave it simplified as:

$x = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$

EDIT: For your reference, $\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} = x^{-\frac12}$

5. Originally Posted by Air
If the question is $4x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$, like you said, and all it says is 'simplify the expression' then I would have leave it simplified as:

$x = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}$

EDIT: For your reference, $\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} = x^{-\frac12}$
yeah yeah i knew that.
okay mate thanks alot !