How to solve problems when the numbers have fractions for exponents.?

Question

2^5/2 - 2^3/2

How would I solve this?

Answer 1

2^(5/2) means √(2^5)

√(2^5)=√(2^4)*√2=2^2*√2=4√2

2^(3/2) means √(2^3)

√(2^3)=√(2^2)*√2=2√2

So you have 4√2-2√2 or 2√2, which can also be written as 2^(3/2) if you're supposed to keep the fraction exponents.

_/

Answer 2

I found a simple explanation for how to do this type of problem.

http://www.algebra-online.com/fractional...

Hope this helps.

:)