Simplifying Radical Expressions

[mstcrow5429]

Why does a^1/4 x b^2/4 = (ab^2)^1/4?

[stitches013]

Hopefully you can understand this from the notation. I think if you write it down the solution will make more sense. It may help to clarify it if you write the equation reversed
(i.e. (ab^2)^1/4=a^1/4*b^2/4)

a^1/4*b^2/4=(ab^2)^1/4 (remember ONLY the "b" term is squared)

is the same as: a^1/4*b^2/4=(a^1b^2)^1/4

So you could say: a^1/4*b^2/4=(a^1)^1/4*(b^2)^1/4

which is the same as saying: a^((1*1)/4)*b^((2*1)/4)

Hope this helps!