Chapter 7 Section 4 Rational Exponents

A rational exponent is another way to write a radical expression. Like the radical form, the exponent form always indicates the principal root.

Simplify each expression.

If the numerator is not 1:

If the exponent is negative Remember to put the base in the denominator if it is not there already (or move it to the numerator if it is in the denominator)

Write in radical form

Write in exponential form

Properties of Exponents p. 381 (a nice chart) When Multiplying like bases…add exponents When Dividing like bases …subtract exponents When taking a power to a power… multiply exponents Everything in parenthesis gets the exponent

Simplest form always has only positive exponents