How do you evaluate and simplify #8^(1/3)#?

1 Answer
Feb 10, 2017

#2#

Explanation:

When given a fractional power, you want to try to see if the base has any power that can be used to simplify the power.

Since #(a^b)^c = a^(b*c)#, try to rewrite the base into the form #a^b# so that the #b# and the fractional power #c# will multiply out.

#8 = 2 * 2 * 2#
#8 = 2^3#

Now, plug it into the original expression

#8 ^(1/3)#
# = (2^3)^(1/3)#
# = 2^(3*1/3)#
# = 2^1#
#=2#