- #1
flame_m13
- 32
- 0
hello.i have a weird problem.
(-8) ^ (2/6) = ?
my first instinct was to simplify the exponent, which yields (-8) ^ (1/3) = -2.
this is the answer the calculator gives as well.
but someone pointed out if you don't simplify that exponent, you have the sixth root of (-8^2), which would give you positive 2. they mentioned something about the symbolic proof of squares...
i always thought you would simplify first, but maybe I'm wrong?
this is confusing.
(-8) ^ (2/6) = ?
my first instinct was to simplify the exponent, which yields (-8) ^ (1/3) = -2.
this is the answer the calculator gives as well.
but someone pointed out if you don't simplify that exponent, you have the sixth root of (-8^2), which would give you positive 2. they mentioned something about the symbolic proof of squares...
i always thought you would simplify first, but maybe I'm wrong?
this is confusing.