Example

Writing 3k7\sqrt[7]{3k}, 5j4\sqrt[4]{5j}, and 82a38\sqrt[3]{2a} with Rational Exponents

Convert three radical expressions into rational exponent form using the rule a1n=ana^{\frac{1}{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a}.

3k7=(3k)17\sqrt[7]{3k} = (3k)^{\frac{1}{7}}: The index is 77, so the denominator of the rational exponent is 77. The entire radicand 3k3k is the base, requiring parentheses: (3k)17(3k)^{\frac{1}{7}}.

5j4=(5j)14\sqrt[4]{5j} = (5j)^{\frac{1}{4}}: The index is 44, so the denominator of the exponent is 44. The entire radicand 5j5j is the base: (5j)14(5j)^{\frac{1}{4}}.

82a3=8(2a)138\sqrt[3]{2a} = 8(2a)^{\frac{1}{3}}: The index is 33, so the denominator of the exponent is 33. The radicand 2a2a becomes the base raised to the 13\frac{1}{3} power. The coefficient 88 remains outside as a multiplier: 8(2a)138(2a)^{\frac{1}{3}}.

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Updated 2026-05-01

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