Rational (Fractional) Exponents
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_1.png)
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_5.png)
Now let's practice with a few numerical expressions.
A little more challenging
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_6.png)
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_22.png)
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_23.png)
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![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_7.png)
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![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_8.png)
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_9.png)
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_10.png)
Now let's practice with a few variable expressions.
This is a little more challenging because the numerator is larger than the denominator.
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write as a radical expression
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expand
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group triplesand you still have x2
under the radical
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An easy way to remember the rule is to choose an example that you know for sure. For example
![](/math/topics/images/rational_fractional_exponents_18.png)
Reminder: the exponent rules do not change when you are multiplying, dividing or raising a power to a power just because the exponent is a fraction.
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