Question

I have to simplify this radical...(a^1/2b)^1/2(ab^1/2)...where do I start with this problem

Answer 1

First distribute the exponent to the upper right of the first parenthesis (1/2), by raising each term inside to the power shown of 1/2. Note that when raising a variable with an existing exponent to another exponent, the exponents should be multiplied. So a1/2 raised to 1/2 equals a 1/2*1/2 or a1/4. The resulting expression is as follows: a1/4b1/2ab1/2