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Algebra I / Elem. Algebra

The Basics

1.1 Intro to Algebra
1.2 Real Number System and Calculators

Linear Equations and Inequalities

Functions and Graphs I

3.1^s Introduction to Graphing
3.2 Solving Equations Graphically
3.3 Functions I - Introduction
3.4 Functions II - Domain, Range, & Operations

Lines and thier Graphs

4.1 Intercept Points
4.2^s Slopes
4.3 Equations of Lines
4.4 Graphing Linear Inequalities

Algebra II / E&I Algebra

Linear Systems

5.1 2x2 Systems of Equations I - Graphically
5.2 2x2 Systems of Equations II - Substitution Method
5.3 2x2 Systems of Equations III - Elimination Method
5.4^s 3x3 Systems of Equations
5.5 Applications
5.6 Systems of Linear Inequalities

Exponents & Polynomials

Intermediate Algebra starts here!

Factoring

Rational Expressions

Rational Equations and Applications

Algebra III / Inter. Algebra

Radical Expressions

10.1 Roots & Radicals
10.2 Fractional Exponents
10.3 Operations I - Simplify & Multiply
10.4 Operations II - Add, Subtract, & Divide
10.5 Operations III - Distribute, Foil, & Factor
10.6^s Complex Numbers

Nonlinear Equations and Applications

11.1 Radical Equations
11.2 Quadratic Equations I - Root Method
11.3^s Quadratic Equations II - Complete the Square
11.4^s Quadratic Equations III - Quadratic Formula
11.5^s Applications - Geometry & Pythagorean Theorem

Functions and Graphs II

12.1 Parabolas I - Algebraic Approach
12.2 Pareabolas II - Graphical Approach
12.3^s Functions III - Composite & Inverse

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

13.1^s Exponential Functions & Graphs
13.2 Logarithmic Functions & Graphs
13.3 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations

Liberal Arts Maths

Under Construction

College Algebra

Equations and Inequalitites

Functions and Graphs

Polynomial and Rational Functions

3.1 Polynomial Functions I - Introduction, Zeros
3.2 Polynomial Functions II - Division, Remainder Thm, Factor Thm
3.3 Polynomial Functions III - Complex Zeros, Fundamental Thm of Algebra, Descartes Rule
3.4 Rational Functions & Graphs
3.5 Partial Fractions

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Systems and Matrices

Conic Sections

Sequences and Series

7.1^s Introduction to Sequences and Series
7.2 Arithmetic Sequences and Series
7.3 Geometric Sequences and Series

Trigonometry

The Six Trigonometric Functions

Right Triangle Trigonometry

Circular Functions

Graphs of Trigonometric Functions

4.1^s Basic Graphs
4.2^s Amplitude & Period
4.3^s Vertical Translations & Phase Shift
4.4 General Equation & Graph to Equation
4.5^s Combination Graphs & Harmonic Motion
4.6^s Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Trigonometric Identities

5.1 Proving Trig Identities
5.2 Sum/Difference Identities
5.3 Double-Angle Identities
5.4^s Half-Angle Identities
5.5 IDs Involving Inverse Trig Functions

Trigonometric Equations

Oblique Triangles and the Laws

Vectors

Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms

9.1 Trigonometric Form of Complex Numbers
9.2 Products and Quotients in Trig Form
9.3 Powers and Roots in Trig Form
9.4 Parametric Equations and Graphs
9.5^s Polar Equations and Graphs

Calculus I

Limits and Continuity

Derivatives

2.1 Definition of Derivative
2.2 Derivatives of Basic Functions
2.3 Motion and the Derivative
2.4 Product Rule, Quotient Rules, & Deriv. of Trig Functions
2.5 Chain Rule
2.6 Implicit Differentiation
2.7 Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
2.8 Logarithmic Differentiation
2.9^s Derivatives of Inverse Functions
2.10^s Derivatives of Inverse Trig Functions
2.11 Related Rate Applications

Analysis of Curves

3.1 Extreme Values
3.2 Mean Value Theorem for Derivatives
3.3 First Derivative Test & Increasing-Decreasing Functions
3.4 Second Derivative Test & Concavity
3.5^s Curve Sketching
3.6 Fun with Reform Calculus
3.7 Optimization Applications

Antiderivatives

Calculus II

Transcendental Functions

5.0^s Review of Transcendental Functions and thier Derivatives
5.1 Integrals Resulting in Logarithmic Functions
5.2 Integrals Resulting in Inverse Trig Functions
5.3 Hyperbolic Trigonometric Functions
5.4 Numeric and Electronic Integration

Geometry

Physics

Integration Techniques

Calculus of Infinity

Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves

Calculus III

Under Construction

S = contains supplemental resources

Course: Algebra III / Intermediate Algebra
Topic: Radical Expressions
Subtopic: Fractional Exponents

Overview

You already know about positive whole number powers like x³ and negative integer powers like x^-2 (recall x^-2 means 1/x²). In this lesson we learn about fractional powers like x^½ and decimal powers like x^1.2. Variables to fractional powers can be rewritten as radicals. Working with fractional powers is actually more efficient than radicals. In fact some radical expressions cannot even be simplified without using fractional exponents.

To convert from fractional exponents to radicals the denominator of the fraction in the power becomes the index of the radical. The numerator of the fraction remains as the power on the variable. For example, x^2/3=cubert(x²) and x^1/2=sqrt(x).

You will find that sometimes expressions are written using radicals, sometimes using fractional exponents. All the rules of exponents that you learned with integer powers hold for fractional powers. E.g., the power rule of exponents says that (x^2/3)^1/2=x^2/3·1/2=x^1/3. Takes practice, so try a good variety of problems!

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

10.2.1 Convert fractional exponent expressions radicals
10.2.2 Evaluate fractional exponent expressions (algebraically for exact answer, electronically for approximation)
10.2.3 Extend rules of exponents (product rule, quotient rule, power rule) to fractional exponents
10.2.4 Simplify fractional exponent expressions including those requiring FOIL
10.2.5 Perform operations on fractional exponent expressions that do not contain variables (e.g., 9^1/3*3^1/2)
10.2.6 Simplify radicals via fractional exponents (e.g., cubert(9)*sqrt(3))

Terminology

Define: fractional exponent (a.k.a. rational exponent), fractional exponent expression

Text Notes
Text: Intro & Inter Algebra for CS 3ed by Blitzer, sect. 10.2

The definitions on pg 673 and 674 describe how to convert between expressions with fractional exponents and radical form. It is important to be able use these formulae in both directions.
pg 676 The "laws/properties of fractional/rational exponents" are important not just to memorize but to know how and when to use each!

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