10.2 Rational Exponents Flashcards
Understand the meaning of a^1/n Understand the meaning of a^m/n Understand the meaning of a^-m/n Use rules for exponents to simplify expressions that contain rational exponents Use rational exponents to simplify radical expressions
1
Q
Define a^1/n
A
If n is a postive integer greater than 1 and n√a is a real number then a^1/n = n√a [the nth root of a]
2
Q
Define a^m/n
A
If m and n are positive integers greater than 1 with m/n in simplest form, then a^m/n = (n√a)^ m [ the nth root of a, NOT N TIMES √A)
3
Q
Define a ^-m/n
A
a^-m/n = 1/a^m/n
4
Q
Product rule for exponents
A
a^m * a^n = a^m+n
5
Q
Power rule for exponents
A
(a^m)^n = a^m*n
6
Q
Power rule for products and quotients
A
(ab)^n = a^n*b^n (a/c)^n = a^n/c^n
7
Q
Quotient rule for exponents
A
a^m/a^n=a^m-n
8
Q
Zero exponent
A
a^0 =1
9
Q
Negative exponent
A
a^-n=1/a^n
