Solve for Nested Roots: Simplifying ⁴√(³√3)

Radical Expressions with Nested Roots

Solve the following exercise:

334= \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}}=

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1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

334= \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To simplify the given expression, we will use two laws of exponents:

A. Definition of the root as an exponent:

an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a}=a^{\frac{1}{n}}

B. Law of exponents for an exponent on an exponent:

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n}

Let's begin simplifying the given expression:

334= \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}}= \\ We will use the law of exponents shown in A and first convert the roots in the expression to exponents, we will do this in two steps - in the first step we will convert the inner root in the expression and in the next step we will convert the outer root:

334=3134=(313)14= \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}}= \\ \sqrt[4]{3^{\frac{1}{3}}}= \\ (3^{\frac{1}{3}})^{\frac{1}{4}}= We continue and use the law of exponents shown in B, then we will multiply the exponents:

(313)14=31314=31134=3112=312 (3^{\frac{1}{3}})^{\frac{1}{4}}= \\ 3^{\frac{1}{3}\cdot\frac{1}{4}}=\\ 3^{\frac{1\cdot1}{3\cdot4}}=\\ \boxed{3^{\frac{1}{12}}}=\\ \boxed{\sqrt[12]{3}} In the final step we return to writing the root, that is - back, using the law of exponents shown in A (in the opposite direction),

Let's summarize the simplification of the given expression:

334=(313)14=3112=312 \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}}= \\ (3^{\frac{1}{3}})^{\frac{1}{4}}= \\ \boxed{3^{\frac{1}{12}}}=\\ \boxed{\sqrt[12]{3}} Therefore, note that the correct answer (most) is answer D.

3

Final Answer

Answers a + b

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert radicals to exponents using an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a} = a^{\frac{1}{n}}
  • Technique: Apply power rule (am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} to multiply exponents
  • Check: Verify 334=31314=3112 \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}} = 3^{\frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{4}} = 3^{\frac{1}{12}}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding exponents instead of multiplying them
    Don't add the denominators to get 317 3^{\frac{1}{7}} ! This completely ignores the power rule and gives wrong results. Always multiply the exponents when applying (am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \sqrt{\frac{2}{4}}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do both answers 3112 3^{\frac{1}{12}} and 312 \sqrt[12]{3} look different but mean the same thing?

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They're equivalent forms of the same number! 3112 3^{\frac{1}{12}} is exponential form and 312 \sqrt[12]{3} is radical form. Use an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a} = a^{\frac{1}{n}} to convert between them.

When I see nested roots, should I work from inside out or outside in?

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Always work from the inside out! Convert the innermost radical first (33=313 \sqrt[3]{3} = 3^{\frac{1}{3}} ), then handle the outer radical step by step.

How do I multiply fractions in exponents like 1314 \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{4} ?

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Multiply straight across: 1314=1×13×4=112 \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 1}{3 \times 4} = \frac{1}{12} . Remember: multiply numerators together and denominators together!

Can I use a calculator to check my answer?

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Yes! Calculate both 334 \sqrt[4]{\sqrt[3]{3}} and 3112 3^{\frac{1}{12}} - they should give the same decimal value (approximately 1.096).

What's the difference between (313)14 (3^{\frac{1}{3}})^{\frac{1}{4}} and 313314 3^{\frac{1}{3}} \cdot 3^{\frac{1}{4}} ?

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Completely different operations! (313)14 (3^{\frac{1}{3}})^{\frac{1}{4}} uses the power rule (multiply exponents), while 313314 3^{\frac{1}{3}} \cdot 3^{\frac{1}{4}} uses the product rule (add exponents).

Why is the final answer written as both exponential and radical forms?

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Different contexts prefer different forms! 3112 3^{\frac{1}{12}} is better for calculations, while 312 \sqrt[12]{3} clearly shows it's the 12th root of 3.

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