Rewrite in simplest rational exponent form square root of x times the fourth root of x. Show each step of your process.

1 answer

To rewrite the expression \(\sqrt{x} \times \sqrt[4]{x}\) in simplest rational exponent form, follow these steps:

  1. Rewrite the roots using rational exponents:

    • The square root of \(x\) can be rewritten as \(x^{1/2}\).
    • The fourth root of \(x\) can be rewritten as \(x^{1/4}\).

    So we have: \[ \sqrt{x} = x^{1/2} \] \[ \sqrt[4]{x} = x^{1/4} \]

  2. Multiply the expressions: Now, substitute these forms back into the original expression: \[ \sqrt{x} \times \sqrt[4]{x} = x^{1/2} \times x^{1/4} \]

  3. Combine the exponents: When multiplying expressions with the same base, we add the exponents: \[ x^{1/2} \times x^{1/4} = x^{1/2 + 1/4} \]

  4. Find a common denominator: To add \(1/2\) and \(1/4\), we need a common denominator. The least common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4: \[ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} \]

    Now we can add: \[ \frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \]

  5. Write the final expression: Substitute the sum back into the exponent: \[ x^{1/2 + 1/4} = x^{3/4} \]

Thus, the expression \(\sqrt{x} \times \sqrt[4]{x}\) in simplest rational exponent form is \(\boxed{x^{3/4}}\).