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square root of x 2 x 4

square root of x 2 x 4

less than a minute read 20-10-2024
square root of x 2 x 4

Demystifying the Square Root of (x2)(x4): A Step-by-Step Guide

The expression "square root of (x2)(x4)" might look intimidating at first glance, but it's actually quite straightforward to solve. This article will break down the process step by step, providing a clear understanding of the concepts involved.

Understanding the Basics:

  • Square root: The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, equals the original number. For example, the square root of 9 is 3 because 3 x 3 = 9.
  • Exponents: Exponents represent repeated multiplication. In the expression (x2)(x4), 'x^2' means 'x multiplied by itself twice' (x * x) and 'x^4' means 'x multiplied by itself four times' (x * x * x * x).

Solving the Expression:

  1. Simplify the expression inside the square root:
    • (x2)(x4) can be simplified using the rule of exponents that states: x^m * x^n = x^(m+n). Therefore: (x2)(x4) = x^(2+4) = x^6
  2. Find the square root of x^6:
    • The square root of x^6 is x^3. This is because x^3 * x^3 = x^6.

Therefore, the square root of (x2)(x4) is x^3.

Practical Example:

Let's say x = 2.

  • Original expression: √(x2)(x4) = √(22)(24)
  • Simplify: √(22)(24) = √(4 * 16) = √64
  • Calculate the square root: √64 = 8

In this example, we can see that when x = 2, the square root of (x2)(x4) equals 8.

Important Note:

It's crucial to remember that the solution (x^3) is only valid when x is a non-negative number. This is because the square root of a negative number is not a real number.

Let's explore some common questions:

  • Q: Can the expression be simplified further?

    • A: No, x^3 is the simplest form of the expression.
  • Q: What if the expression was (x3)(x5)?

    • A: We would use the same principles. (x3)(x5) = x^(3+5) = x^8. The square root of x^8 is x^4.

In Conclusion:

Understanding the principles of exponents and square roots allows us to simplify seemingly complex expressions like the square root of (x2)(x4). By breaking down the problem into manageable steps and using the appropriate rules, we can arrive at the correct solution.

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