Dividing and Simplifying Radical Expressions

Dividing and Simplifying Radical Expressions

Note that \frac{\sqrt[3]{27}} {\sqrt[3]{8}} =\frac{3}{2} and that \sqrt[a]{\frac{27}{8}} = \frac{3}{2}. This example suggests the following.

The Quotient Rule For Radicals

For any nonnegative number a, any positive number b, and any index k,

\frac{\sqrt[k]{a}}{\sqrt[k]{b}} = \sqrt[k]{\frac{a}{b}} , or \frac{a^{\frac{1}{k}}}{b^{\frac{1}{k}}} = ( \frac{a}{b})^{\frac{1}{k}}.

(To divide, divide the radicands. After doing this, you can sometimes simplify by taking roots.)

 

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