Problem

Simplify ( cube root of 4ab^5)/(4ab^2)

The question is asking for the simplification of a mathematical expression that involves a cube root and division. Specifically, you are being asked to simplify the cube root of the product of 4, the variable a, and the variable b raised to the 5th power, and then to divide this quantity by the product of 4, a, and b squared. The aim is to apply rules of exponents and roots, as well as algebraic simplification techniques, to express the initial complex expression in its simplest form.

$\frac{\sqrt[3]{4 a b^{5}}}{4 a b^{2}}$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1: Simplify the numerator.

  • Step 1.1: Express $4ab^5$ as a product involving $b^3$.

    • Step 1.1.1: Extract $b^3$ from the expression. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{4ab^3 \cdot b^2}}{4ab^2}$
    • Step 1.1.2: Rearrange to place $a$ next to $4$. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{4b^3ab^2}}{4ab^2}$
    • Step 1.1.3: Switch the positions of $4$ and $b^3$. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{b^3 \cdot 4ab^2}}{4ab^2}$
    • Step 1.1.4: Enclose $4ab^2$ in parentheses. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{b^3 \cdot (4ab^2)}}{4ab^2}$
    • Step 1.1.5: Ensure parentheses are correctly placed. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{b^3 \cdot (4ab^2)}}{4ab^2}$
  • Step 1.2: Extract cube root terms from under the radical. $\frac{b\sqrt[3]{4ab^2}}{4ab^2}$

Step 2: Eliminate common factors.

  • Step 2.1: Factor out $b$ from the numerator. $\frac{b(\sqrt[3]{4ab^2})}{4ab^2}$

  • Step 2.2: Simplify by canceling common factors.

    • Step 2.2.1: Factor $b$ from the denominator. $\frac{b(\sqrt[3]{4ab^2})}{b(4ab)}$
    • Step 2.2.2: Cancel out the common $b$ term. $\frac{\cancel{b}\sqrt[3]{4ab^2}}{\cancel{b}(4ab)}$
    • Step 2.2.3: Write the simplified expression. $\frac{\sqrt[3]{4ab^2}}{4ab}$

Knowledge Notes:

To simplify the given expression $\frac{\sqrt[3]{4ab^5}}{4ab^2}$, we need to understand several mathematical concepts:

  1. Cube Root: The cube root of a number $x$, denoted as $\sqrt[3]{x}$, is a value that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives $x$. For instance, $\sqrt[3]{8} = 2$ because $2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8$.

  2. Factoring: This involves breaking down a number or expression into a product of its factors. For example, $4ab^5$ can be factored into $b^3 \cdot (4ab^2)$ because $b^3 \cdot b^2 = b^5$.

  3. Simplifying Radicals: When simplifying expressions involving radicals, any factor inside the radical that is a perfect power of the index (in this case, a cube) can be taken out of the radical. For example, $\sqrt[3]{b^3}$ simplifies to $b$.

  4. Cancellation: In fractions, if the same factor appears in both the numerator and the denominator, it can be canceled out. For instance, in $\frac{b(4ab^2)}{b(4ab)}$, the $b$ in the numerator and denominator can be canceled.

  5. Algebraic Manipulation: This involves rearranging terms, factoring, and simplifying expressions to reach a more simplified or desired form.

By applying these concepts, we can simplify the given expression by extracting cube roots, factoring out common terms, and canceling them to reach the final simplified form.

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