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Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 86

Solve each equation. 3x3/4 = x1/2

Verified step by step guidance
1
Rewrite the equation \(3x^{3/4} = x^{1/2}\) and recognize that both sides have expressions with exponents involving \(x\).
To solve for \(x\), first bring all terms to one side to set the equation equal to zero: \(3x^{3/4} - x^{1/2} = 0\).
Factor out the common term with the smallest exponent, which is \(x^{1/2}\), so the equation becomes \(x^{1/2}(3x^{1/4} - 1) = 0\).
Set each factor equal to zero separately: \(x^{1/2} = 0\) and \(3x^{1/4} - 1 = 0\).
Solve each equation for \(x\): For \(x^{1/2} = 0\), raise both sides to the power of 2; for \(3x^{1/4} - 1 = 0\), isolate \(x^{1/4}\) and then raise both sides to the power of 4.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponents and Rational Exponents

Exponents indicate repeated multiplication, and rational exponents represent roots; for example, x^(1/2) means the square root of x. Understanding how to manipulate and simplify expressions with fractional exponents is essential for solving equations involving roots and powers.
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Solving Equations Involving Exponents

To solve equations with exponents, isolate the variable term and use properties of exponents to rewrite expressions with a common base or exponent. This often involves raising both sides to a power that eliminates the fractional exponent or rewriting terms to compare powers directly.
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Domain Restrictions for Variables with Rational Exponents

When variables have fractional exponents with even denominators, the base must be non-negative to keep the expression real. Recognizing domain restrictions ensures solutions are valid within the real number system and prevents extraneous or undefined solutions.
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