Chapter 1
Linear Equations and Graphing
Course: Gre
Subject: Gre Quantitative Reasoning
Chapter: Foundations Of Functions And Composition
Introduction: Understanding Fractional Powers
Exponents tell us how many times to multiply a base by itself. But what happens when the exponent is a fraction? A rational exponent—an exponent written as a fraction—represents a combination of powers and roots. Understanding rational exponents connects the concepts of exponents and radicals, providing a unified way to work with both.
This lesson explains what rational exponents are, how to convert between rational exponent form and radical form, and how to simplify expressions involving them.
What Is a Rational Number?
Before exploring rational exponents, it is essential to understand rational numbers. A rational number is any number that can be expressed as a fraction of two integers.
| Number | Fractional Form | | 1.5 | 3/2 | | 4 | 4/1 | | 0.01 | 1/100 | | 0.25 | 1/4 |