Evaluating the Exponentiation Operation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

Understanding the Problem

When evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ , we need to follow the order of operations, which is a set of rules that dictate the order in which mathematical operations should be performed. The order of operations is often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.

In this case, we have an exponentiation operation ( $9^2$ ) and a root operation ( $\sqrt[4]{\text{result}}$ ). To evaluate the expression, we need to follow the order of operations and first calculate the exponentiation operation.

Evaluating the Exponentiation Operation

The exponentiation operation is $9^2$ . To evaluate this, we need to multiply 9 by itself 2 times. This can be written as:

9^2 = 9 \times 9

Using the multiplication operation, we can calculate the result of $9^2$ as follows:

9^2 = 9 \times 9 = 81

Evaluating the Root Operation

Now that we have the result of the exponentiation operation, we can evaluate the root operation. The root operation is $\sqrt[4]{81}$ . To evaluate this, we need to find the fourth root of 81.

The fourth root of a number is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives the original number. In other words, if we have a number $x$ and we want to find its fourth root, we need to find a number $y$ such that $y^4 = x$ .

In this case, we want to find the fourth root of 81. We can write this as:

y^4 = 81

To solve for $y$ , we can take the fourth root of both sides of the equation:

y = \sqrt[4]{81}

Simplifying the Expression

Now that we have evaluated the exponentiation and root operations, we can simplify the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ .

Using the results of the previous steps, we can write the expression as:

\sqrt[4]{9^2} = \sqrt[4]{81}

Final Answer

The final answer to the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ is $\boxed{3}$ .

Why is the Answer 3?

The answer 3 is obtained by evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ . To understand why the answer is 3, we need to look at the properties of exponents and roots.

When we raise a number to a power, we are essentially multiplying the number by itself that many times. For example, $9^2$ means multiplying 9 by itself 2 times.

When we take the root of a number, we are essentially finding a number that, when raised to a certain power, gives the original number. For example, the fourth root of 81 is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives 81.

In this case, we have the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ . To evaluate this, we need to find the fourth root of $9^2$ . Since $9^2 = 81$ , we can write the expression as $\sqrt[4]{81}$ .

Using the properties of exponents and roots, we can simplify the expression as follows:

\sqrt[4]{81} = \sqrt[4]{9^2} = 3

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ can be evaluated by following the order of operations and using the properties of exponents and roots. The final answer to the expression is $\boxed{3}$ .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the order of operations? A: The order of operations is a set of rules that dictate the order in which mathematical operations should be performed. The order of operations is often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
Q: What is the exponentiation operation? A: The exponentiation operation is a mathematical operation that involves raising a number to a power. For example, $9^2$ means multiplying 9 by itself 2 times.
Q: What is the root operation? A: The root operation is a mathematical operation that involves finding a number that, when raised to a certain power, gives the original number. For example, the fourth root of 81 is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives 81.
Q: How do I evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ ? A: To evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ , you need to follow the order of operations and use the properties of exponents and roots. First, evaluate the exponentiation operation ( $9^2$ ) and then take the fourth root of the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the order of operations?

A: The order of operations is a set of rules that dictate the order in which mathematical operations should be performed. The order of operations is often remembered using the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.

Q: What is the exponentiation operation?

A: The exponentiation operation is a mathematical operation that involves raising a number to a power. For example, $9^2$ means multiplying 9 by itself 2 times.

Q: What is the root operation?

A: The root operation is a mathematical operation that involves finding a number that, when raised to a certain power, gives the original number. For example, the fourth root of 81 is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives 81.

Q: How do I evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ ?

A: To evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ , you need to follow the order of operations and use the properties of exponents and roots. First, evaluate the exponentiation operation ( $9^2$ ) and then take the fourth root of the result.

Q: What is the result of the exponentiation operation $9^2$ ?

A: The result of the exponentiation operation $9^2$ is 81.

Q: What is the fourth root of 81?

A: The fourth root of 81 is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives 81. This number is 3.

Q: Why is the answer 3?

A: The answer 3 is obtained by evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ . To understand why the answer is 3, we need to look at the properties of exponents and roots. When we raise a number to a power, we are essentially multiplying the number by itself that many times. For example, $9^2$ means multiplying 9 by itself 2 times. When we take the root of a number, we are essentially finding a number that, when raised to a certain power, gives the original number. For example, the fourth root of 81 is a number that, when raised to the power of 4, gives 81.

Q: Can I use a calculator to evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ ?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to evaluate the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ . However, it's always a good idea to understand the underlying math and how the calculator is arriving at the answer.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ ?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ include:

Not following the order of operations
Not using the correct exponentiation operation
Not taking the correct root
Not simplifying the expression correctly

Q: How can I practice evaluating expressions like $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ ?

A: You can practice evaluating expressions like $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ by working through a series of problems that involve exponentiation and roots. You can also try using online resources or math software to help you practice and understand the underlying math.

Additional Resources

Mathway: A online math problem solver that can help you evaluate expressions like $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ .
Wolfram Alpha: A online math software that can help you evaluate expressions like $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ .
Khan Academy: A online learning platform that offers video lessons and practice exercises on math topics, including exponentiation and roots.

Conclusion

Evaluating the expression $\sqrt[4]{9^2}$ requires following the order of operations and using the properties of exponents and roots. By understanding the underlying math and practicing with a series of problems, you can become more confident and proficient in evaluating expressions like this one.