I don't understand Rational Exponents... could someone explain them to me so I can finish this homework?

Question

anonymous · Answer

What do you need to know?

A rational exponent is just something to the form of $n^{a/b}$ which is equivalent to
$\sqrt[b]{n^a}$.

anonymous · Answer

well... i have to divide them and multiply them....  and i'm confused.

anonymous · Answer

There are some basic rules for division and multiplication of exponents.

$$\Large
 n^a \times n^b = n^{a+b}
\\Large
\frac{ n^a}{n^b }=n^{b-a}$$

anonymous · Answer

Sorry, that should be:

$$\Large \frac{n^a}{n^b} = n^{a-b}$$

anonymous · Answer

so... y2/5 x y^3/8= y^27/40?

anonymous · Answer

Not quite. 2/5 + 3/8 = 16/40 + 15/40 = 31/40. But I think you're getting it.

anonymous · Answer

so then y^5/8 / y^1/2 = y^1/8?

anonymous · Answer

That's right.

anonymous · Answer

ok, thank you i think i have it ^^

anonymous · Answer

No problem =)