Help with factor large numbers

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges of factoring large numbers in Intermediate Algebra, particularly focusing on the equation w + 14 = 1458 to the fourth root. Participants clarify that no factoring is needed to solve for w; instead, one should isolate w by subtracting 14 from both sides. The conversation also highlights the importance of simplifying roots by identifying factors, specifically how to break down 1458 into its prime factors. Additionally, it emphasizes the rules for even and odd roots, noting that for even roots, factors must be nonnegative. Overall, the thread provides guidance on solving equations involving large roots and the necessary simplification techniques.
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I am 31 and just started back in Math. My first class is Intermediate Algebra. I am sloving equations that force me to factor large numbers. Not sure if this is a skill that I was supposed to rember from high school, but nevertheless it is taking me a long time to do so. Can anyone tell me what the rules are when factor large roots. For example

1. w + 14 = 1458 to the 4th root.

Thanks for any advice.

EG
 
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Poker-face said:
I am 31 and just started back in Math. My first class is Intermediate Algebra. I am sloving equations that force me to factor large numbers. Not sure if this is a skill that I was supposed to rember from high school, but nevertheless it is taking me a long time to do so. Can anyone tell me what the rules are when factor large roots. For example

1. w + 14 = 1458 to the 4th root.

Thanks for any advice.

EG
I'm not sure what your equation is. Is it this?
w + 14 = \sqrt[4]{1458}

Click on the equation I wrote to see the LaTeX script I wrote for this equation.

If that's the equation you want to solve, there is no factoring needed. All you have to do to solve for w is to add -14 to both sides of the equation.
 


Mark44 said:
I'm not sure what your equation is. Is it this?
w + 14 = \sqrt[4]{1458}

Click on the equation I wrote to see the LaTeX script I wrote for this equation.

If that's the equation you want to solve, there is no factoring needed. All you have to do to solve for w is to add -14 to both sides of the equation.

Yes. How do you simplfy the square root?
 


Poker-face said:
Yes. How do you simplfy the square root?
That's a fourth root.
Simplify it by finding all factors and seeing if any are to the fourth or higher power. For this problem, 1458 = 2 * 729 = 2 * 9 * 81 = 2 * 93 = 2 * 36

The last expression can also be written as 34 * 2 * 9 = 34 * 18

Now use the property of square roots, cube roots, fourth roots, etc. that says
\sqrt[n]{ab} = \sqrt[n]{a}\sqrt[n]{b}

For even roots (square root, fourth root, etc.) in the equation above, both a and b have to be nonnegative. For odd roots (cube root, fifth root, etc.) a and be can be any real numbers.
 


I understand the rule but how you get to step two - 2 x 9 x 81
 


729 = 9 * 81. I used the concept I mentioned to you in another thread - if the sum of the digits of a number is 9 or a multiple of 9, the number is divisible by 9.

So 1458 = 2 * 729 = 2 * 9 * 81
 


Mark44 said:
729 = 9 * 81. I used the concept I mentioned to you in another thread - if the sum of the digits of a number is 9 or a multiple of 9, the number is divisible by 9.

So 1458 = 2 * 729 = 2 * 9 * 81

Thanks again both threads were a big help!

EG:approve:
 
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