How do you simplify sqrt (a^2/b^5) ?

1 Answer
May 2, 2018

This is an exercise in the conservation of powers. However, which expression constitutes the "simplest form" is a matter of local convention (i.e., up to your teacher).

Explanation:

The general formula of interest here is #(x^a)^b = x^(ab)#
So, #(a^2/b^5)^(1/2) = #
#a^(2/2) / b^(5/2) = #

#a / sqrt(b^5)# or #sqrt((a^2) / (b^5))# or #a/b^(2.5)#