Radical Expressions and Rational Exponents

Radicals and rational exponents are two notations for the same thing: [formula] [formula] The denominator of the exponent is the root, and the numerator is the power. All exponent rules from B1.1 apply to rational exponents too!

To simplify sqrt{n}: find the largest perfect square that divides n. [formula] Perfect squares to know: 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144.

Example: Simplify sqrt{50}