Simplify this equation and express it as a radical

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    Radical Simplify
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression 16x^7 / y^4 and expressing it as a radical, specifically focusing on cube roots. Participants are exploring methods to manipulate the expression using exponents and radicals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss expressing the original expression as exponents and attempting to factor it into radicals. There are mentions of looking for perfect cubes and breaking down components into manageable parts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and suggestions for further simplification. Some have made progress in rewriting the expression, while others are encouraged to refine their approach based on previous hints.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the expression is treated correctly as an expression rather than an equation. Participants are also navigating the challenge of identifying perfect cubes within the expression.

justinepearle
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I have to simplify this equation and express it as a radical at the end.
16x^7 / y^4 and cube root everything.




I've tried expressing everything as exponents but it doesn't seem to get me to where i want to go. I attempted at factoring into two radicals with one containing a perfect square, but i didn't quite know how to do it and got nothing close to something that looked right.

Any help?
 
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[tex](\frac{16x^7}{y^4})^\frac{1}{3}[/tex]

[tex](\frac{16x^4}{y}*\frac{x^3}{y^3})^\frac{1}{3}[/tex]

that should get you started
 
justinepearle said:
I've tried expressing everything as exponents but it doesn't seem to get me to where i want to go. I attempted at factoring into two radicals with one containing a perfect square[/color], but i didn't quite know how to do it and got nothing close to something that looked right.

That's your problem right there[/color]! You should be looking for a perfect cube, right?
 
sorry, typo
 
OK, then show us what you've done. rock.freak started it for you, but there is still more work do to inside the parentheses.
 
I've got it down to
((2x)^4/Y)^(1/3) x (x/y)
 
Good. Now there's still a little more to do. Can you break [itex](2x)^4[/itex] down into a perfect cube, and another factor that is not a perfect cube?
 
Once you take Tom Mattson's hint you should have everything under control. I'm just going to put in my oar to point out that this is an expression, not an equation.
 

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