Applying the Rules of Exponents and Radicals

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 10 views

What is the Square Root of $$64 y^{16}$$?

Understanding the Problem

When dealing with square roots, it's essential to remember that the square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In mathematical terms, if we have a number $a$ , then the square root of $a$ is a number $b$ such that $b^2 = a$ . This concept is crucial in solving problems involving square roots.

Breaking Down the Problem

In this problem, we are given the expression $$64 y^{16}$$. To find the square root of this expression, we need to apply the rules of exponents and radicals. The square root of a product is equal to the product of the square roots, and the square root of a power is equal to the power of the square root.

Applying the Rules of Exponents and Radicals

Using the rules mentioned above, we can break down the expression $$64 y^{16}$$ into its prime factors. We know that $64 = 2^6$ , so we can rewrite the expression as $$(2^6) (y^{16})$$. Now, we can take the square root of each factor separately.

Finding the Square Root of Each Factor

The square root of $2^6$ is $2^3$ , which is equal to $8$ . The square root of $y^{16}$ is $y^8$ . Therefore, the square root of the entire expression is $$8 y^8$$.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the square root of $$64 y^{16}$$ is $$8 y^8$$. This is the correct answer among the options provided.

Answer

The correct answer is D. $$8 y^8$$.

Why is this the Correct Answer?

This is the correct answer because it satisfies the definition of a square root. When we multiply $$8 y^8$$ by itself, we get $$64 y^{16}$$, which is the original expression. This demonstrates that $$8 y^8$$ is indeed the square root of $$64 y^{16}$$.

What is the Significance of this Problem?

This problem is significant because it demonstrates the importance of understanding the rules of exponents and radicals. By applying these rules, we can simplify complex expressions and solve problems involving square roots. This is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it has numerous applications in various fields, including science, engineering, and economics.

Real-World Applications

The concept of square roots has numerous real-world applications. For example, in physics, the square root of a quantity is often used to describe the magnitude of a force or a velocity. In engineering, the square root of a quantity is used to describe the magnitude of a stress or a strain. In economics, the square root of a quantity is used to describe the magnitude of a price or a quantity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the square root of $$64 y^{16}$$ is $$8 y^8$$. This is the correct answer among the options provided. The concept of square roots is fundamental in mathematics, and it has numerous real-world applications. By understanding the rules of exponents and radicals, we can simplify complex expressions and solve problems involving square roots.

Final Thoughts

The problem of finding the square root of $$64 y^{16}$$ is a classic example of how to apply the rules of exponents and radicals. By breaking down the expression into its prime factors and taking the square root of each factor separately, we can find the square root of the entire expression. This is a fundamental concept in mathematics, and it has numerous real-world applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Square Roots

Q: What is a square root?

A: A square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. In mathematical terms, if we have a number $a$ , then the square root of $a$ is a number $b$ such that $b^2 = a$ .

Q: How do I find the square root of a number?

A: To find the square root of a number, you can use the following steps:

Break down the number into its prime factors.
Take the square root of each factor separately.
Multiply the square roots of each factor together.

Q: What is the difference between a square root and a power?

A: A square root is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. A power, on the other hand, is a value that is raised to a certain exponent. For example, $2^3$ is a power of 2, while $\sqrt{4}$ is a square root of 4.

Q: Can I simplify a square root expression?

A: Yes, you can simplify a square root expression by factoring out any perfect squares. For example, $\sqrt{16x^2}$ can be simplified to $4x\sqrt{x}$ .

Q: How do I deal with negative numbers when finding square roots?

A: When finding square roots of negative numbers, you will get complex numbers. For example, the square root of -4 is $2i$ , where $i$ is the imaginary unit.

Q: Can I use a calculator to find square roots?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to find square roots. Most calculators have a square root button that you can press to find the square root of a number.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when finding square roots?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when finding square roots include:

Not breaking down the number into its prime factors
Not taking the square root of each factor separately
Not multiplying the square roots of each factor together
Not dealing with negative numbers correctly

Q: How do I apply square roots in real-world problems?

A: Square roots are used in many real-world problems, including physics, engineering, and economics. For example, in physics, the square root of a quantity is often used to describe the magnitude of a force or a velocity. In engineering, the square root of a quantity is used to describe the magnitude of a stress or a strain.

Q: Can I use square roots to solve equations?

A: Yes, you can use square roots to solve equations. For example, if you have an equation of the form $x^2 = a$ , you can take the square root of both sides to solve for $x$ .

Q: What are some advanced topics related to square roots?

A: Some advanced topics related to square roots include:

Imaginary numbers
Complex numbers
Square roots of negative numbers
Square roots of complex numbers

Conclusion

In conclusion, square roots are a fundamental concept in mathematics that have numerous real-world applications. By understanding the rules of exponents and radicals, we can simplify complex expressions and solve problems involving square roots. We hope that this FAQ article has provided you with a better understanding of square roots and how to apply them in various situations.