## mathtard Group Title Find the following assuming that a can represent any real number $\sqrt[4]{(5a)}^{4}$ 3 years ago 3 years ago

1. gandalfwiz Group Title

5a, because ur taking the 4 root of something to the fourth power

2. mathtard Group Title

so why would it be 5a?

3. polpak Group Title

it's actually |5a|

4. gandalfwiz Group Title

<rolls eyes>

5. polpak Group Title

radicals are to exponents as division is to multiplication.

6. polpak Group Title

So if you take the 4th root of something to the 4th power you will get what you started with (except with even roots you have to slap an absolute value on it)

7. polpak Group Title

Or even powers that is

8. mathtard Group Title

so I don't understand what the lines represent on the sides of the answer?

9. polpak Group Title

Absolute value sign.

10. mathtard Group Title

so the 4's basically cancel eachother out?

11. gandalfwiz Group Title

xactely

12. polpak Group Title

Yes.

13. polpak Group Title

If you have the same power as you have index on your radical it cancels out the exponent.

14. mathtard Group Title

ok I think I understand. at least better. But what are the lines on each side for?

15. polpak Group Title

It's a nit picky detail.

16. polpak Group Title

| | is the absolute value operator.