Question

How many times must a base be used as factor to be removed from under a fourth root?

Answer 1

I have tried to find any information in my book that can help me understand this and I know the answer is 4 but how is it 4? I am horrible at math and looking for any help that I can get. Thank you in advance.

Answer 2

What exactly does taking for fourth root of a number mean to you? Say, the fourth root of 16?

Answer 3

Nothing I am completely ignorant in this subject. I make straight A's in everything but math, it's like a foreign language to me.

Answer 4

Okay... so do you know what a fourth root is?

Answer 5

No but let me see if I can find it in the index of my book. I have reviewed the chapter of my book that we are in but I couldn't find anything regarding this. That is why I am stuck. I am not wanting the answer as I already have it. I just don't know how to get there. Maybe if you could show me an example of how they got the answer I can understand and break it down.

Answer 6

Well, I think it'd certainly be of benefit for you to understand what a fourth... or third. or nth root for that matter is...

Answer 7

recall: for natural number n, x^n= x*x*x*x... with "n" x's

Answer 8

does that make sense?

Answer 9

I believe you are right. Ill try and find it in my book, I appreciate your help. If I can't seem to figure it out I may need to email my professor. I do online class through Brescia University so I don't have hands on learning in a classroom setting so that is another downfall for me in this subject.

Answer 10

Well, let's keep going... exponentiation is a way of expressing repeated multiplication right? what about the opposite?

Answer 11

Indeed it is, I know how to get the square root of a number. I know how to work exponents but I don't know the opposite though.

Answer 12

well, let's try to wrap our heads around some examples. what is \(3^4\)?

Answer 13

81?

Answer 14

yes... let's try to do the opposite... what number multiplied by itself twice gives 81?

Answer 15

Sorry for the delayed responses, I have kids. 9?

Answer 16

yes... and what operation did you take to get there?

Answer 17

Multiplication. I knew that 9 and 9 is 81.

Answer 18

Well... that is one way to look at it

Answer 19

The way i see it, you just told me the square root of 81=9

Answer 20

I am following you.

Answer 21

and the fourth root of 81 then?

Answer 22

if the square root, or second root, of 81 is 9, then what is the fourth root?

Answer 23

Hm, so would I divide by 4? I know there has to be an easier way to get the answer though.

Answer 24

If so, I got 20.25

Answer 25

no... you aren't dividing by 4...

Answer 26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0etjdY6GEw I found this video and it broke it down for me. I really really appreciate your help. I just needed someone to dumb it down for me.

Answer 27

you are looking for a number, that, when multiplied by itself, equals 81

Answer 28

*multiplied by itself 4 times

Answer 29

here is a site that might be more helpful for future reference: https://www.purplemath.com/modules/ordering.htm

Answer 30

https://www.purplemath.com/modules/exponent5.htm

Answer 31

that in particular should help for exponents. Glad you found what you were looking for... Best of luck to you!

Answer 32

Oh great, thank you so much that video kind of helped me understand. So regarding the question. It would only make sense to be 4 because they are wanting the 4th root?

Answer 33

yes.... cube root would be 3, square root would be 2, etc

Answer 34

OHHH revelation. Thank you so much lol I feel dumb but hey, not everyone gets it. At least I got help, thank you thank you!

Answer 35

no problem - I'd highly recommend reviewing a bit more in depth with a site like purple math, but it's good you figured it out!

Answer 36

My professor actually suggested that site. Thank you again inky! Have a good evening.