Simplify cube root of (24x^3)/(36x)
The question asks for the simplification of a radical expression involving a cube root. Specifically, you need to find the simplest form of the cube root of a fraction that contains variables with exponents: the numerator is 24x^3 and the denominator is 36x. Simplification in this context typically involves reducing the fraction to its lowest terms and then applying the properties of exponents and radicals to simplify the expression inside the cube root as much as possible.
Divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.
Extract the factor of 12 from the numerator:
Extract the factor of 12 from the denominator:
Eliminate the common factor of 12:
Rewrite the simplified fraction:
Remove common factors of
Factor out
Factor out
Cancel the
Rewrite the expression:
Split the cube root of the fraction into the cube root of the numerator and the cube root of the denominator:
Multiply by the conjugate of the cube root of the denominator to rationalize it.
Multiply by
Combine and simplify the terms in the denominator.
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by
Raise
Combine exponents using the power rule
Add the exponents:
Express
Apply the power rule
Multiply the exponents:
Simplify the exponent:
Evaluate the exponent:
Combine the cube roots in the numerator.
Rewrite
Calculate
Combine the cube roots into a single cube root.
Use the product rule for radicals:
Multiply
The problem-solving process involves simplifying a cube root of a fraction, which requires understanding of several mathematical concepts:
Factorization: This is the process of breaking down numbers into their prime factors or breaking down algebraic expressions into simpler components that can be canceled or combined.
Radicals and Rational Exponents: Radicals (such as cube roots) can also be expressed as rational exponents. For example,
Simplifying Fractions: When simplifying fractions, any common factors in the numerator and denominator can be canceled out.
Properties of Exponents: The power rule
Rationalizing the Denominator: When a radical is present in the denominator, it is often desirable to "rationalize" the denominator by eliminating the radical. This is done by multiplying the numerator and denominator by a suitable form of 1 that contains the radical.
Product Rule for Radicals: The product rule states that
By applying these concepts in a step-by-step manner, the given cube root expression is simplified to a more manageable form.