Exponents and Radicals
By M Bourne
√(a + b)10
Exponents are a very important part of algebra. An exponent is just a convenient way of writing repeated multiplications of the same number.
Radicals involve the use of the radical sign, `sqrt(\ )`. Sometimes these are called surds.
If you learn the rules for exponents and radicals, then your enjoyment of mathematics will surely increase! (Yeah, right... :-)
Related Sections in
"Interactive Mathematics"
The Binomial Theorem, which shows how to expand expressions like (x + y)6.
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, which talks about applications of expressions like `10^x` and log x.
Differentiation of polynomials, where one of the steps involves exponents.
Roots and radicals, from the basic algebra section.
In this Chapter
1. Simplifying Expressions with Integral Exponents - defines exponents and shows how to use them when multiplying or dividing in algebra.
2. Fractional Exponents - shows how an fractional exponent means a root of a number
3. Simplest Radical Form - this technique can be useful when simplifying algebra
4. Addition and Subtraction of Radicals - shows how to add or subtract expressions involving the square root sign
5. Multiplication and Division of Radicals (Rationalizing the Denominator) - while this method is not as important as it was in the pre-calculator days, it is still a useful technique
6. Equations with Radicals - the fun starts!
The chapter begins with 1. Simplifying Expressions with Integral Exponents »