Problem

Simplify fifth root of 96t^11u^15

The question asks for the simplification of the algebraic expression that is the fifth root of the product of 96, t to the power of 11, and u to the power of 15. Simplifying this type of expression involves finding the fifth root of each factor in the product, and possibly reducing the powers under the radical by using the property that the nth root of a variable to the mth power can be simplified if m is a multiple of n.

$\sqrt[5]{96 t^{11} u^{15}}$

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1: Express the given expression in a form suitable for simplification

Start by rewriting $96t^{11}u^{15}$ as a product of terms raised to the power of 5 and a remaining term.

Step 1.1: Factor out 32 from 96

Recognize that $96$ can be divided by $32$, which is a perfect fifth power: $\sqrt[5]{32\cdot3t^{11}u^{15}}$.

Step 1.2: Represent 32 as a power of 2

Notice that $32$ is $2^5$: $\sqrt[5]{2^5\cdot3t^{11}u^{15}}$.

Step 1.3: Extract $t^{10}$ from $t^{11}$

Separate $t^{11}$ into $t^{10}$ and $t$: $\sqrt[5]{2^5\cdot3(t^{10}t)u^{15}}$.

Step 1.4: Rewrite $t^{10}$ as $(t^2)^5$

Express $t^{10}$ as the fifth power of $t^2$: $\sqrt[5]{2^5\cdot3((t^2)^5t)u^{15}}$.

Step 1.5: Rewrite $u^{15}$ as $(u^3)^5$

Similarly, express $u^{15}$ as the fifth power of $u^3$: $\sqrt[5]{2^5\cdot3((t^2)^5t)(u^3)^5}$.

Step 1.6: Rearrange the term $t$

Move the single $t$ term: $\sqrt[5]{2^5\cdot3((t^2)^5)(u^3)^5t}$.

Step 1.7: Rearrange the term $3$

Place the $3$ outside the radical: $\sqrt[5]{(2^5((t^2)^5))(u^3)^5\cdot3t}$.

Step 1.8: Combine terms under the fifth root

Combine the terms that are perfect fifth powers: $\sqrt[5]{(2t^2u^3)^5\cdot3t}$.

Step 1.9: Add parentheses for clarity

Enclose the terms inside the radical with parentheses for better readability: $\sqrt[5]{((2t^2u^3)^5)\cdot(3t)}$.

Step 2: Simplify the expression by pulling out terms from under the radical

Extract the terms that are perfect fifth powers from under the radical: $2t^2u^3\sqrt[5]{3t}$.

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Fifth Root: The fifth root of a number $x$ is a number $y$ such that $y^5 = x$. It is denoted as $\sqrt[5]{x}$.

  2. Exponent Laws: When simplifying expressions with exponents, remember that $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$ and $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$.

  3. Factoring: Factoring involves expressing a number or expression as a product of its factors. For example, $96$ can be factored into $32 \cdot 3$, where $32$ is a perfect fifth power, $2^5$.

  4. Simplifying Radicals: When simplifying radicals, any factor raised to a power that is a multiple of the index can be taken out of the radical. For example, $\sqrt[5]{a^5} = a$.

  5. Combining Like Terms: When simplifying expressions, terms with the same base and exponent can be combined. For instance, $a^m \cdot a^n$ can be combined into $a^{m+n}$ if $m$ and $n$ are integers.

  6. Perfect Powers: A perfect fifth power is a number that can be expressed as $a^5$ for some integer $a$. For example, $32$ is a perfect fifth power because it is $2^5$.

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