# Simplify Expressions...2

Discussion in 'Basic Math' started by nycmathguy, Apr 1, 2022.

1. ### nycmathguy

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A review of basic mathematics.

nycmathguy, Apr 1, 2022

2. ### MathLover1

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correct

just curious, how did you conclude that (3^-2)^-1=3^2?

MathLover1, Apr 1, 2022
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3. ### EmptySetBlues

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All correct. You're keeping track of all the roots, not just positive ones just because they're the most commonly used. You never know when that will trip you up while solving a problem, which is why it's always a mistake when handing in homework!

EmptySetBlues, Apr 1, 2022
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4. ### nycmathguy

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I uses the exponent rule (a^b)^c = a^(b•c).

So, (3^-2)^-1 = 3^(-2•-1) = 3^(2) = 9.

nycmathguy, Apr 1, 2022
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5. ### nycmathguy

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This is just a review of the basics. Questions will get increasingly harder as the weeks go by.

nycmathguy, Apr 1, 2022
6. ### HallsofIvy

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NO! $$\sqrt{25}= 5$$, $$\sqrt{36}= 6$$, $$\sqrt{16}= 4$$, and $$\sqrt{9}= 3$$.
While it is true that $$(-4)^2= 4^2= 16$$, in order that the square root, over the real numbers be a function, $$\sqrt{n}$$ is defined as the positive root.