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Tue 7 Aug, 2012 07:59 am
Hello,
To evaluate the expression (x-2)^1/2 the next steps listed are x^(-2)(1/2)
then x^-1 and finally 1/x. I am fine with the final two steps.
Please help me see how or what rules are used to go from the first to second step. Is this just a basic rules I am forgetting?
So in summary how does (x-2)^1/2 become x^(-2)(1/2)
Thank you
@joseclar,
It doesn't. That first step is completely wrong unless you have written it incorrectly.
@joseclar,
If you have written this incorrectly and the (-2) is actually an exponent of x, then this all works.
If y = (x^a)^b then y = x^(ab)
so if a = -2 and b = 1/2 then this is correct.
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