Skip to main content
Ch. R - Review of Basic Concepts
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 1, Problem 40

Find each root.x66\(\sqrt\)[6]{x^6}

Verified step by step guidance
1
Recognize that the expression ⁶√x^6 represents the sixth root of x raised to the sixth power, which can be written as \(\sqrt[6]{x^6}\).
Recall the property of radicals and exponents: \(\sqrt[n]{a^m} = a^{\frac{m}{n}}\). Applying this, rewrite the expression as \(x^{\frac{6}{6}}\).
Simplify the exponent \(\frac{6}{6}\) to 1, so the expression becomes \(x^1\), which is simply \(x\).
Consider the domain of the original expression. Since the sixth root is an even root, the radicand \(x^6\) is always non-negative for all real \(x\), so the expression is defined for all real numbers.
Therefore, the root of the expression \(\sqrt[6]{x^6}\) simplifies to \(|x|\), the absolute value of \(x\), because even roots return the principal (non-negative) root.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
54s
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Nth Roots and Radicals

The nth root of a number is a value that, when raised to the power n, gives the original number. For example, the 6th root of x^6 means finding a number which, when raised to the 6th power, equals x^6. Understanding how to simplify and interpret nth roots is essential for solving such expressions.
Recommended video:

Properties of Exponents

Exponents represent repeated multiplication, and their properties allow simplification of expressions. Specifically, (x^a)^(b) = x^(a*b). This property helps simplify the expression ⁶√x^6 by rewriting the root as a fractional exponent, enabling easier calculation of the root.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:06
Rational Exponents

Absolute Value in Even Roots

When taking even roots (like square roots or 6th roots) of even powers, the result is the absolute value of the base because even powers eliminate sign information. For example, ⁶√x^6 equals |x|, ensuring the root is non-negative regardless of x's sign.
Recommended video:
02:20
Imaginary Roots with the Square Root Property