Solving Equations with Fractional Powers Reminder about powers: Means = 5 Means = 3 Means = 3 2 = 9
= 7 = 2 = 2 2 = 4 = 2 3 = 8 Reminder about powers:
this means the cube root of x equals 3 To solve this equation do the opposite of cube root i.e cube so that Solving Equations with Fractional Powers x = 3 3 = 27
this means the fourth root of x equals 5 To solve this equation do the opposite of 4 th root so that x = 5 4 i.e raise it to the power of 4 = 625
this means find the square root of x and then cube it To solve this equation do the opposite so that x = So the rule is flip the power and apply it to the other side. i.e. cube root it and square
flip power x = 16 Find 5 th root and then raise it to power 4 As 2x2x2x2x2 = 32 As 2x2x2x2 = 16 x = 2 4
Go forwards flip power x = 2 4 = 16 i.e cube root of 8 raised to power 4 Go backwards
Flip power change the line, change the sign Go forwards Go backwards
General Method Flip power Go forwards Go backwards
Using a calculator Use the power and then fraction button on calculator x = to 2d.p flip power Go forwards Go backwards
Converting to a power question x cube root square ×3 = ÷3 square root cube = x