Calculating the Sixth Root of 3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the sixth root of 3, specifically examining the mathematical steps and rules involved in manipulating roots and exponents. Participants explore the relationships between cube roots and exponents, and whether the initial claim about the sixth root is accurate.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the sixth root of 3 can be expressed as the product of two cube roots of 3, leading to the expression 3^(1/6).
  • Another participant explains the rules for multiplying cube roots and using exponents, suggesting that the correct interpretation leads to 3^(2/3) instead of 3^(1/6).
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the initial claim and whether it is correct, with one participant questioning how the result of "1/6" was obtained.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial claim regarding the sixth root of 3, with multiple views presented on the proper application of exponent rules.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the interpretation of the initial expression and the application of exponent rules, particularly in how the sixth root is derived from cube roots.

mathdad
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Let cbrt = cube rootcbrt{3} x cbrt{3} =

(3)^(1/3) * (3)^(1/3)

3^(1/6) ir sixth root {3}

Correct?
 
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In general, you want to use the following rule:

$$\sqrt[3]{a}\cdot\sqrt[3]{b}=\sqrt[3]{ab}$$

Using exponents, we can get the same result:

$$a^c\cdot b^c=(ab)^c$$

Now, when the base is the same, we can simply add exponents:

$$a^b\cdot a^c=a^{b+c}$$

So, in the given expression, we may write:

$$\sqrt[3]{3}\cdot\sqrt[3]{3}=\sqrt[3]{3\cdot3}=\sqrt[3]{3^2}=3^{\frac{2}{3}}=3^{\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{3}}=3^{\frac{1}{3}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{3}}=\sqrt[3]{3}\cdot\sqrt[3]{3}$$
 
MarkFL said:
In general, you want to use the following rule:

$$\sqrt[3]{a}\cdot\sqrt[3]{b}=\sqrt[3]{ab}$$

Using exponents, we can get the same result:

$$a^c\cdot b^c=(ab)^c$$

Now, when the base is the same, we can simply add exponents:

$$a^b\cdot a^c=a^{b+c}$$

So, in the given expression, we may write:

$$\sqrt[3]{3}\cdot\sqrt[3]{3}=\sqrt[3]{3\cdot3}=\sqrt[3]{3^2}=3^{\frac{2}{3}}=3^{\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{3}}=3^{\frac{1}{3}}\cdot3^{\frac{1}{3}}=\sqrt[3]{3}\cdot\sqrt[3]{3}$$

Great but is my answer wrong?
 
RTCNTC said:
Great but is my answer wrong?

Yes, your result is incorrect. :D

You want to add the two exponents to get 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3.
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, your result is incorrect. :D

You want to add the two exponents to get 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3.

I forgot that powers are added.
 
Well, what in the world did you do to get "1/6"?
 
Thank you everyone.
 

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