How do you simplify #x^(2/3)(x^(1/4) - x)#?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Jul 4, 2016

#x^(11/12) - x^(5/3)#

Explanation:

Follow the normal method of the distributive law, but there are indices to consider as well.

If the bases are the same, then add the indices when multiplying.

#x^(2/3) xx x^(1/4) - x^(2/3) xx x^1#

#x^(11/12) - x^(5/3)" " (8+3)/12 = 11/12 #

One might consider taking out a common factor of #x^(11/12)#
but this would not produce an answer that can be simplified further anyway.

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