Example

Simplifying 163\sqrt[3]{16} and 2434\sqrt[4]{243}

To simplify higher-order roots with numerical radicands like 163\sqrt[3]{16} and 2434\sqrt[4]{243}, rewrite the radicand using its greatest perfect power factor that matches the radical's index. For 163\sqrt[3]{16}, identify the greatest perfect cube factor of 1616, which is 88 (since 23=82^3 = 8). Rewrite the expression as 823\sqrt[3]{8 \cdot 2}, split it into 8323\sqrt[3]{8} \cdot \sqrt[3]{2} using the Product Property of Roots, and evaluate 83\sqrt[3]{8} to obtain 2232\sqrt[3]{2}. For 2434\sqrt[4]{243}, the greatest perfect fourth power factor of 243243 is 8181 (since 34=813^4 = 81). Rewrite the expression as 8134\sqrt[4]{81 \cdot 3}, separate it into 81434\sqrt[4]{81} \cdot \sqrt[4]{3}, and evaluate 814\sqrt[4]{81} to obtain the simplified form 3343\sqrt[4]{3}.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-01

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.9 Roots and Radicals - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.8 Roots and Radicals - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After