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We have solved linear equations, rational equations, and quadratic equations using several methods. However, there are many other types of equations, and we will investigate a few more types in this section. We will look at equations involving rational exponents, polynomial equations, radical equations, absolute value equations, equations in quadratic form, and some rational equations that can be transformed into quadratics. Solving any equation, however, employs the same basic algebraic rules. We will learn some new techniques as they apply to certain equations, but the algebra never changes.
Rational exponents are exponents that are fractions, where the numerator is a power and the denominator is a root. For example, is another way of writing is another way of writing The ability to work with rational exponents is a useful skill, as it is highly applicable in calculus.
We can solve equations in which a variable is raised to a rational exponent by raising both sides of the equation to the reciprocal of the exponent. The reason we raise the equation to the reciprocal of the exponent is because we want to eliminate the exponent on the variable term, and a number multiplied by its reciprocal equals 1. For example, and so on.
A rational exponent indicates a power in the numerator and a root in the denominator. There are multiple ways of writing an expression, a variable, or a number with a rational exponent:
Evaluate
Whether we take the root first or the power first depends on the number. It is easy to find the cube root of 8, so rewrite as
Solve the equation in which a variable is raised to a rational exponent:
The way to remove the exponent on x is by raising both sides of the equation to a power that is the reciprocal of which is
Solve
This equation involves rational exponents as well as factoring rational exponents. Let us take this one step at a time. First, put the variable terms on one side of the equal sign and set the equation equal to zero.
Now, it looks like we should factor the left side, but what do we factor out? We can always factor the term with the lowest exponent. Rewrite as Then, factor out from both terms on the left.
Where did come from? Remember, when we multiply two numbers with the same base, we add the exponents. Therefore, if we multiply back in using the distributive property, we get the expression we had before the factoring, which is what should happen. We need an exponent such that when added to equals Thus, the exponent on x in the parentheses is
Let us continue. Now we have two factors and can use the zero factor theorem.
The two solutions are and
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