This document discusses exponents and exponent rules. It defines exponents as multiplying a base A by itself repeatedly N times, written as AN. It then provides several exponent rules including: - Multiply-Add Rule: AnAk = An+k - Divide-Subtract Rule: An/Ak = An-k - Power-Multiply Rule: (An)k = Ank Special exponents are also discussed such as A0=1 if A≠0, A-k=1/Ak, and calculating fractional exponents by extracting the root first then raising it to the numerator power. Examples are provided to demonstrate applying these exponent rules and calculating fractional exponents.

1. Exponents
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2. Exponents
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.

3. Exponents
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

4. Exponents
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

5. Multiply–Add Rule:
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

6. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

7. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 =
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

8. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5)
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

9. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
(multiply–add)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

10. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

11. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. =55
52
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

12. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

13. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule:
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
(divide–subtract)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

14. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule: (An)k = Ank , (An Bm)k = Ank Bmk
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
(divide–subtract)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

15. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule: (An)k = Ank , (An Bm)k = Ank Bmk
c. (22*34)3 =
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
(divide–subtract)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

16. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule: (An)k = Ank , (An Bm)k = Ank Bmk
c. (22*34)3 = 26*312
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
(divide–subtract)
(power–multiply)
Exponent–Rules
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

17. Multiply–Add Rule: AnAk = An+k
Divide–Subtract Rule:
Example A.
a. 5254 = (5*5)(5*5*5*5) = 52 + 4 = 56
An
Ak
b. = 55–2 = 5355
52
Power–Multiply Rule: (An)k = Ank , (An Bm)k = Ank Bmk
c. (22*34)3 = 26*312
Exponents
= An – k
(multiply–add)
(divide–subtract)
(power–multiply)
Exponent–Rules
! Note that
(22 ± 34)3 = 26 ± 38
Multiplying A to 1 repeatedly N times is written as AN.
A is the base.
N is the exponent.
N times
1 x A x A x A ….x A = AN

18. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A≠0)
Special Exponents

19. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
Special Exponents
because 1 = A1
A1

20. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
Special Exponents
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
(divide–subtract)

21. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
Special Exponents
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
(divide–subtract)

22. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
1
Ak
Special Exponents
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
(divide–subtract)

23. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because
(divide–subtract)

24. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

25. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

26. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2,
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

27. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

28. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
1/n - Power Rule: A1/n = A , the nth root of A.
n
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

29. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
Example B.
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
1/n - Power Rule: A1/n = A , the nth root of A.
n
c. 641/3 =
b. 81/3 =
a. 641/2 =
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

30. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
Example B.
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
1/n - Power Rule: A1/n = A , the nth root of A.
n
c. 641/3 =
b. 81/3 =
a. 641/2 = 64 = 8
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

31. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
Example B.
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
1/n - Power Rule: A1/n = A , the nth root of A.
n
c. 641/3 =
b. 81/3 = 8 = 2
3
a. 641/2 = 64 = 8
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

32. 0-power Rule: A0 = 1 (A=0)
=
1
Ak
1
Ak
A0
Ak
Special Exponents
½ - Power Rule: A½ = A , the square root of A,
because (A½)2 = A = (A)2, so A½ = A
Example B.
because 1 = = A1–1 = A0A1
A1
Negative Power Rule: A–k =
because = A0–k = A–k
1/n - Power Rule: A1/n = A , the nth root of A.
n
c. 641/3 = 64 = 4
3
b. 81/3 = 8 = 2
3
a. 641/2 = 64 = 8
(divide–subtract)
(divide–subtract)

33. Special Exponents
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±

34. Special Exponents
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A )n
1
is
take the nth root of A

35. Special Exponents
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power

36. Special Exponents
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power

37. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 =
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

38. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3)
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

39. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

40. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

41. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

42. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 =

43. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-23

44. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-2 = (3)-2 =
3

45. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 =
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-2 = (3)-2 = 1/32 = 1/9
3

46. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 = (161/4)-3 = (16)-34
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-2 = (3)-2 = 1/32 = 1/9
3

47. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 = (161/4)-3 = (16)-3 = (2)-34
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-2 = (3)-2 = 1/32 = 1/9
3

48. Special Exponents
a. 9 –3/2 = (9 ½ * –3) = (9½)–3 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
To calculate a fractional power: extract the root first,
then raise the root to the numerator–power.
Example C. Find the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
By the power–multiply rule, the fractional exponent
A
k
n±
(A ) kn ±1
is
take the nth root of A
then raise the
root to ±k power
c. 16 -3/4 = (161/4)-3 = (16)-3 = (2)-3 = 1/23 = 1/84
b. 27 -2/3 = (271/3)-2 = (27)-2 = (3)-2 = 1/32 = 1/9
3

49. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.

50. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8

51. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.

52. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.
x*(x1/3y3/2)2
x–1/2y2/3
=
Example D. Simplify by combining the exponents.

53. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.
x*(x1/3y3/2)2
x–1/2y2/3
=
x*x2/3y3
x–1/2y2/3
power–multiply rule
1/3*2 3/2*2
Example D. Simplify by combining the exponents.

54. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.
x*(x1/3y3/2)2
x–1/2y2/3
=
x*x2/3y3
x–1/2y2/3
= x–1/2y2/3
x5/3y3
Example D. Simplify by combining the exponents.
power–multiply rule
1/3*2 3/2*2
multiply–add rule
1 + 2/3

55. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.
x*(x1/3y3/2)2
x–1/2y2/3
=
x*x2/3y3
x–1/2y2/3
= x–1/2y2/3
=
x5/3y3
x5/3 – (–1/2) y3 – 2/3
Example D. Simplify by combining the exponents.
power–multiply rule
1/3*2 3/2*2
multiply–add rule
1 + 2/3
divide–subtract rule

56. a.16–½ =
Fractional Powers
b. 43/2 =
Your turn: calculate the root, then raise the root to the
numerator–power.
Ans: ¼, 8
We use the multiply–add, divide–subtract, and power–
multiply rules to collect fractional exponents.
x*(x1/3y3/2)2
x–1/2y2/3
=
x*x2/3y3
x–1/2y2/3
= x–1/2y2/3
=
x5/3y3
x5/3 – (–1/2) y3 – 2/3
= x13/6 y7/3
Example D. Simplify by combining the exponents.
power–multiply rule
1/3*2 3/2*2
multiply–add rule
1 + 2/3
divide–subtract rule

57. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.

58. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n

59. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 =
a. 53 or (5 )3 =
b. 9a2 =

60. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 =
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 =

61. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 =
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2

62. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 =
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a

63. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a

64. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2 ≠ (3 + a ).
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a

65. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
d. Express a2 (a ) as one radical.3 4
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2 ≠ (3 + a ).
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a

66. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
a2 a = a2/3a1/43 4
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2 ≠ (3 + a ).
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a
d. Express a2 (a ) as one radical.3 4

67. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
a2 a = a2/3a1/4 = a11/123 4
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2 ≠ (3 + a ).
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a
d. Express a2 (a ) as one radical.3 4

68. Fractional Powers
Often it’s easier to manipulate radical–expressions
using the fractional exponent notation.
a2 a = a2/3a1/4 = a11/12 = a11
3 4 12
To write a radical in fractional exponent form,
assuming a is defined, we have that:k
an = ( a )n → a
k k k
n
Example E. Write the following expressions using
fractional exponents then simplify if possible.
c. 9 + a2 = (9 + a2)1/2 ≠ (3 + a ).
a. 53 or (5 )3 = 53/2
b. 9a2 = (9a2)1/2 = 3a
d. Express a2 (a ) as one radical.3 4

69. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.

70. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 =
b. 16–0.75 =
c. 30.4 =

71. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2
b. 16–0.75 =
c. 30.4 =

72. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3
b. 16–0.75 =
c. 30.4 =

73. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 =
c. 30.4 =

74. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4
c. 30.4 =

75. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3
4
c. 30.4 =

76. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3 = (2)–3 = 1/8
4
c. 30.4 =

77. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3 = (2)–3 = 1/8
4
c. 30.4 = 32/5 = (3)2 ≈ 1.55 (by calculator)
5

78. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3 = (2)–3 = 1/8
4
c. 30.4 = 32/5 = (3)2 ≈ 1.55 (by calculator)
5
Working with real numbers and interpreting decimal
exponents as fractions causes problems if the base
is negative.

79. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3 = (2)–3 = 1/8
4
c. 30.4 = 32/5 = (3)2 ≈ 1.55 (by calculator)
5
Working with real numbers and interpreting decimal
exponents as fractions causes problems if the base
is negative. For example, (–32)0.2 can be viewed as
(–32)1/5 = –32 = –2, or as (–32)2/10 = (–32)2 which is
not defined.
5 10

80. Decimal Powers
We write decimal–exponents as fractional exponents,
then we extract roots and raise powers as indicated
by the fractional exponents.
Example F. Write the following decimal exponents as
fractional exponents then simplify, if possible.
a. 9–1.5 = 9 –3/2 = (9)–3 = 3–3 = 1/27
b. 16–0.75 = 16 –3/4 = (16)–3 = (2)–3 = 1/8
4
c. 30.4 = 32/5 = (3)2 ≈ 1.55 (by calculator)
5
Working with real numbers and interpreting decimal
exponents as fractions causes problems if the base
is negative. For example, (–32)0.2 can be viewed as
(–32)1/5 = –32 = –2, or as (–32)2/10 = (–32)2 which is
not defined. To avoid this confusion, we assume the
base is positive whenever a decimal exponent is used.
5 10