Problem

Simplify the Radical Expression fourth root of (x^4y^24)/81

The given problem involves simplifying a radical expression using algebraic rules for exponents and roots. Specifically, you are asked to simplify the fourth root of a fraction where the numerator is x raised to the power of 4 and y raised to the power of 24, and the denominator is the constant number 81. This requires knowledge of how to handle exponents within roots and how to simplify fractional expressions under a radical sign.

x4y24814

Answer

Expert–verified

Solution:

Step 1:

Express x4y24 as (xy6)4. Thus, the expression becomes (xy6)4814.

Step 2:

Represent 81 as 34. The expression now reads (xy6)4344.

Step 3:

Transform (xy6)434 into (xy63)4. The radical expression is now (xy63)44.

Step 4:

Extract terms from beneath the radical, resulting in |xy63|.

Step 5:

Eliminate the absolute value for non-negative terms to get y6|x|3.

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Radical expressions involve roots, such as square roots, cube roots, and fourth roots. Simplifying radical expressions often requires manipulating the expression to make use of the properties of exponents and radicals.

  2. The fourth root of a number a, denoted as a4, is the number that, when raised to the power of 4, equals a.

  3. Exponents can be factored out of a radical if the exponent is a multiple of the index of the root. For example, x44 simplifies to |x| because raising x to the fourth power and then taking the fourth root cancels out.

  4. When simplifying expressions under a radical, it's helpful to express numbers as powers that match the root index. For instance, 81 can be written as 34, which simplifies the process of taking the fourth root.

  5. The absolute value, denoted as |x|, is the non-negative value of x. When simplifying radicals, it's important to consider the absolute value to ensure the result is non-negative, as roots are typically considered to be non-negative in real numbers.

  6. When an entire expression under a radical is raised to the power of the index of the root (e.g., (xy6)44), the radical and the exponent cancel each other out, leaving the expression without the radical (e.g., xy6).

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