# Homework Help: Indices (find X)

1. Nov 28, 2004

### Mo

Indices.Again i think i've got close to the answer, it just does not want to show its self! A push in the right direction would be appreciated ... heres the problem:

$$2x^ \frac{1} {4} = \frac{64} {x}$$

Regards
Mo

2. Nov 28, 2004

### Muzza

Multiply both sides by x. Remember that x = x^1 and x^a * x^b = x^(a + b) for all a, b.

3. Nov 28, 2004

### Mo

Hmm i multiplied both sides by x ..i think the answer is:

$$2x^ \frac{2} {4} = 64$$ right?? ... carrying on ...

then divide both sides by 2 ..so we are left with ..

$$x ^\frac {2} {4} = 32$$

am i along the right lines here??

4. Nov 28, 2004

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
How did you get $x^{2/4}$?

5. Nov 28, 2004

### Mo

hmm, i multiple both sides by x so

$$2x^ \frac {1} {4} X x = 2x^ \frac {1} {4} X x^1$$

and since we add the indices when multiplying i get 2 no?

6. Nov 28, 2004

### Mo

oh lol i think i just spotted it ..

7. Nov 28, 2004

### Mo

edit: should be 1.25 right?

Ack - stupid mistakes , i got it now.Completely overlooked it .. .

Thanks both