Prove: (a^{\frac{1}{n}})^m = a^{\frac{m}{n}} Using Roots & Powers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the property of exponents, specifically the equation \((a^{\frac{1}{n}})^m = a^{\frac{m}{n}}\). Participants explore this concept through various mathematical approaches, including roots and powers, and engage in reasoning about the implications of their findings.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant demonstrates that \((a^{\frac{1}{2n}} a^{\frac{1}{2n}})^n = a\) and suggests that this reasoning holds for even values of \(p\), questioning the validity for odd \(p\) and non-integer \(n\).
  • Another participant confirms the exponent properties, stating that \(a^{1/2n} a^{1/2n} = a^{1/n}\) and \((a^{1/n})^m = a^{m/n}\), referring to these as well-known properties.
  • A third participant mentions Dedekind cuts and references an external source that discusses extending exponentiation from integers to rationals and reals, implying a broader mathematical context.
  • Further, a participant attempts to prove \((xy)^m)^{\frac{1}{n}} = y^{\frac{m}{n}} x^{\frac{m}{n}}\) and shares their progress, showing steps involving powers and roots but not concluding the proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and approaches to the proof, with some agreeing on the properties of exponents while others raise questions about specific cases and the validity of certain steps. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the proof itself.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note limitations regarding the assumptions made about \(p\) being even or odd and the implications of non-integer values for \(n\). Additionally, the discussion includes references to external mathematical concepts that may not be fully explored within the thread.

georg gill
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[tex](a^{\frac{1}{2n}}a^{\frac{1}{2n}})^n=(a^{\frac{1}{2n}})^n(a^{\frac{1}{2n}})^n=(a^{\frac{1}{2}}) (a^{\frac{1}{2}})=a=(a^{\frac{1}{n}})^n[/tex]

all above is just done by using that the order of the factors that you multiply does not matter

we have proven that

[tex](a^{\frac{1}{p}}a^{\frac{1}{p}})^n=(a^{\frac{2}{p}})^n[/tex]

for any even number. Try saying that p is a odd number then n is a decimal number and taking the rooth with a number that is not whole does not make sense in a logixal approach of what one can really comprehend. For any even number of p what I did above makes sense. Could someone see an extention of this system. I want to make left side here:
[tex]\sqrt[m]{\underbrace{a^{\frac{1}{n}} \, \cdot \, a^{\frac{1}{n}} \, \cdot \, . . . \, \cdot a^{\frac{1}{n}} \, }_{\text{m times}} \, }=a^{\frac{m}{n}}[/tex]

to become right side by only using roths and powers of integers.
 
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Certainly [itex]a^{1/2n}a^{1/2n}= a^{1/2n+ 1/2n}= a^{2/2n}= a^{1/n}[/itex].

And [itex]\left(a^{1/n}\right)^m= a^{(1/n)m}= a^{m/n}[/itex]. Those are well known properties of the exponentials.
 
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If you know what Dedekind cuts are, the PlanetMath page http://planetmath.org/encyclopedia/ProofOfPropertiesOfTheExponential.html does a nice job of extending exponentiation from the integers to the rationals, and then to the reals.
 
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D H said:
If you know what Dedekind cuts are, the PlanetMath page http://planetmath.org/encyclopedia/ProofOfPropertiesOfTheExponential.html does a nice job of extending exponentiation from the integers to the rationals, and then to the reals.


As far as I can see or from what I get from the proof at least

[tex](xy)^m)^{\frac{1}{n}}=(y)^m)^{\frac{1}{n}}(x)^m)^{\frac{1}{n}}[/tex]

I want to prove that

[tex](xy)^m)^{\frac{1}{n}}=y)^{\frac{m}{n}}x^{\frac{m}{n}}[/tex]

What I have managed to show is that

[tex](xy^{\frac{1}{np}})^{np}[/tex]

[tex](a^{\frac{1}{np}})^{np}=a[/tex]

[tex]((a^{\frac{1}{n}})^{\frac{1}{p}})^{np}=(((a^{\frac{1}{n}})^{\frac{1}{p}})^n)^p[/tex]

since n and p are integers to put p outside as own power goues without proving (could of course prove this
and we get

[tex]((a^{\frac{1}{n}})^{\frac{1}{p}})^{np}=(((a^{\frac{1}{n}})^{\frac{1}{p}})^n)^p=a[/tex]

so

[tex]xy^{\frac{1}{np}}=(a^{\frac{1}{n}})^{\frac{1}{p}}[/tex]
 
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