Curriculum placement
Algebra 2. This describes the skill, not a learner estimate.
Rational exponents and radicals
Connect rational exponents and radicals
Problem types
- Combine rational exponents and write radical forms
- Solve an equation with a rational exponent
- Simplify a square root
- Add and subtract square roots
- Multiply square roots
- Rationalize a denominator
- Evaluate a fractional power
- Radicals and fractional exponents
- Build the argument for what a unit fraction exponent means
- Test a definition of a fraction exponent against the law
- Explain why a root can be written as a fraction exponent
- Combine square roots when some radicands match after simplifying
- Rewrite roots and powers as one power with a rational exponent
Builds on
Leads to
- Equations with one square root
- Solving exponential and logarithmic equations · See it applied
Solving an equation with a fractional exponent raises both sides to the reciprocal power, as same-base exponential equations equate exponents.
Related skills
- Finding an inverse function · Related idea
The power function x to the 1/n is the inverse of x to the n, so rational exponents give inverses of power functions.
- Properties of logarithms · Related idea
Logarithm rules restate exponent rules, and changing the base uses powers with rational exponents.
- The conjugate of a complex number · Related idea
Multiplying a complex quotient by the conjugate of the denominator parallels rationalizing a radical denominator with its conjugate.
- Rules for a geometric sequence · Shared foundations
- Adding, subtracting, and multiplying polynomials · Shared foundations
Open the interactive map to explore lessons and skill connections.