# Exponents and Radicals

By M Bourne

√(a + b)10

Exponents are a very important part of algebra. An exponent is just a convenient way of writing repeated multiplications of the same number.

Radicals involve the use of the radical sign, sqrt(\ ). Sometimes these are called surds.

If you learn the rules for exponents and radicals, then your enjoyment of mathematics will surely increase! (Yeah, right... :-)

## In this Chapter

1. Simplifying Expressions with Integral Exponents - defines exponents and shows how to use them when multiplying or dividing in algebra.

### Related Sections in "Interactive Mathematics"

The Binomial Theorem, which shows how to expand expressions like (x + y)6.

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, which talks about applications of expressions like 10^x and log x.

Differentiation of polynomials, where one of the steps involves exponents.

Roots and radicals, from the basic algebra section.

2. Fractional Exponents - shows how an fractional exponent means a root of a number

3. Simplest Radical Form - this technique can be useful when simplifying algebra

4. Addition and Subtraction of Radicals - shows how to add or subtract expressions involving the square root sign

5. Multiplication and Division of Radicals (Rationalizing the Denominator) - while this method is not as important as it was in the pre-calculator days, it is still a useful technique

6. Equations with Radicals - the fun starts!

The chapter begins with 1. Simplifying Expressions with Integral Exponents »

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