Things You'll Need:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Calculator (optional)
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Step 1
Convert all radical expression into a fractional exponent form as shown in the image.
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Step 2
Know the rules of addition. Only radicals that are the same can add together. Note that when you add the two expression together, you don't get 4 to the 3/5 power, you get 2 times 2 to the 3/5 power. Writing a parentheses around the fractional exponent should help you remember that you are adding together how many expressions of 2 to the 3/5 power. Also note that on the bottom line, 2 to the 3/5 power can not be added to 3 to the 3/5 power, as they are not the same radicals.
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Step 3
Know the rules of substraction. Subtracting is a similar process. Again, you want to start by changing the radical expression into the fractional exponent format. Keep a parentheses around any fractional exponents so you remember you aren't subtracting them, only noting how many of them that there are.
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Step 4
Just like addition, only radicals that are the same can subtract. Note that the final result is 4 fractional exponents of 2 to the 3/5 power. You can not express this as 8 to the 3/5 power. You may want to try this out on a calculator just to make sure you understand they are not the same.
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Step 5
Work the parenthesis first. If you want to continue solving the equation, you will have to calculate what is inside the parentheses first before mulitplying it by the number on the outside of the parentheses. Remember that in Algebra, all equations follow the order of operations, and exponents are first in line for order of operations.
