Solving Radical Expression: Simplify ⁶√b¹²×(1/b)²×a

Radical Expressions with Fractional Exponents

b126(1b)2a=? \sqrt[6]{b^{12}}\cdot(\frac{1}{b})^2\cdot a=\text{?}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:11 Let's simplify this problem step-by-step.
00:16 Find the Nth root of a number raised to the power of M.
00:20 This equals the number to the power of M divided by N.
00:24 Now we will apply this formula to our problem.
00:38 Remember, with a fraction in the exponent, raise both the top and bottom to that power.
00:47 Let's use this formula in our exercise now.
00:51 Simplify wherever you can!
00:59 And that's our solution. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

b126(1b)2a=? \sqrt[6]{b^{12}}\cdot(\frac{1}{b})^2\cdot a=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify b126 \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} using fractional exponent form.
  • Step 2: Simplify the expression (1b)2 \left(\frac{1}{b}\right)^2 using negative exponents.
  • Step 3: Combine and simplify the entire expression.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify b126 \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} .
The expression b126 \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} can be rewritten using fractional exponents as b12/6=b2 b^{12/6} = b^2 .

Step 2: Simplify (1b)2 \left(\frac{1}{b}\right)^2 .
The expression (1b)2 \left(\frac{1}{b}\right)^2 simplifies using negative exponents: b2 b^{-2} .

Step 3: Combine the simplified expressions and the original variable a a .
Combine all components as follows:
b2b2a b^2 \cdot b^{-2} \cdot a .
Using the property xmxn=xm+n x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n} , we have:
b2+(2)a=b0a b^{2 + (-2)} \cdot a = b^0 \cdot a .
Since b0=1 b^0 = 1 (by the zero exponent rule), the expression simplifies to:
a a .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is a a .

3

Final Answer

a a

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Radical Rule: Convert roots to fractional exponents for easier calculation
  • Technique: b126=b12/6=b2 \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} = b^{12/6} = b^2 then combine powers
  • Check: Verify b2b2a=b0a=a b^2 \cdot b^{-2} \cdot a = b^0 \cdot a = a

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to apply exponent rules when combining terms
    Don't leave b2b2 b^2 \cdot b^{-2} as separate factors = missing the simplification to b0=1 b^0 = 1 ! This prevents you from reaching the final answer. Always use xmxn=xm+n x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n} to combine like bases.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Which of the following is equivalent to \( 100^0 \)?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does the sixth root of b¹² equal b²?

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Because roots are fractional exponents! The sixth root means "raise to the power of 1/6", so b126=b1216=b2 \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} = b^{12 \cdot \frac{1}{6}} = b^2 .

How does (1/b)² become b⁻²?

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When you have a fraction raised to a power, flip it and make the exponent negative: (1b)2=b2 \left(\frac{1}{b}\right)^2 = b^{-2} . This is the negative exponent rule!

Why does b² × b⁻² equal 1?

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Using the product rule for exponents: b2b2=b2+(2)=b0=1 b^2 \cdot b^{-2} = b^{2+(-2)} = b^0 = 1 . Any non-zero number to the power of 0 equals 1!

What if b = 0 in this problem?

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If b = 0, then 0126=0 \sqrt[6]{0^{12}} = 0 and (10)2 \left(\frac{1}{0}\right)^2 is undefined. So we assume b ≠ 0 for this expression to be valid.

Can I solve this without converting to fractional exponents?

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Yes, but it's harder! You could recognize that \sqrt[6]{b^{12}} = (b^2)^6^{1/6} = b^2 directly, but fractional exponents make the pattern clearer and less error-prone.

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