Flashcard 1 - Math Reasoning Flashcard Set for the GED Test

A rational exponent is a fractional power or a radical.
\(x^{\frac{a}{b}} = \sqrt[b]{x^a}\)

To raise x to the rational exponent of \(\frac{a}{b}\) means to raise x to its a power and take its b root.

Example:

\[4^{\frac{3}{2}}=(4)^{3 \cdot \frac{1}{2}}=64^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sqrt{64}=8\]