1. Mar 17, 2008

bacon

From the book..." $$\sqrt[4]{(-4)^2}$$=$$\sqrt[4]{16}$$=2. It is incorrect to write $$\sqrt[4]{(-4)^2}$$=$$(-4)}^\frac{2}{4}$$=$$(-4)}^\frac{1}{2}$$=$$\sqrt{-4}$$ ..."

I understand the math involved but want to be sure of the exact reason why the first part is correct and the second is not. Is it because of the inner to outer priority of operations when one operation is nested inside another?

2. Mar 17, 2008

rocomath

Work inner ... outer.

3. Mar 18, 2008

CompuChip

Clearly, the first method is correct (it actually says $((-4)^2)^{1/4}$, so what it does is work out the brackets in the correct order.
Now if the second method were correct, you would get contradictory results. For example, consider this "proof":
$$1 = \sqrt{1} = \sqrt{(-1)^2} = ((-1)^2)^{1/2} \stackrel{?!}{=} (-1)^{2/2} = (-1)^1 = -1$$
so 1 = -1, and anything you might want to prove (whether true or false) follows

4. Mar 18, 2008

Feldoh

My life has been a lie :(

5. Mar 18, 2008

bacon

Actually, it is not. I could show you a proof of this, but I need to change the oil in the car. Sorry.

6. Mar 19, 2008

CompuChip

It's not that bad... have some cake.