Evaluate the left hand side to find the value of aa in the equation in simplest form.

Question

x, start superscript, one fifth, end superscript, x, start superscript, one quarter, end superscript, equals, x, to the power a
x
5
1
​

x
4
1
​

=
x
a

Answer 1

To simplify the left hand side of the equation, you can rewrite the exponents as fractions multiplied by x.

So, x^(1/5) * x^(1/4) = x^(a)

When multiplying two numbers with the same base, you add the exponents.

1/5 + 1/4 = a

Find a common denominator of 20:
4/20 + 5/20 = a/20
9/20 = a

Therefore, a = 9/20.