4.8 SAT Math - Fractional Exponents

Starting SAT Score 650 and above:
A fractional exponent looks like this:  The numerator of that fraction is the exponent under the square root symbol; the denominator is the root being taken.  So or the fourth root of y cubed.   Often, you'll be given a number to sub in for the variable:

In that case, simply set it up properly and solve:

If you're not given numbers, for the most part you will just need to work with fractional exponents like regular exponents.  So,

Frational Exponent Tips

Fractional exponents often contain perfect squares somewhere along the line to make everything work out evenly, but don't worry if they don't.  Just remember: the numbers may get uglier, but the rules never change.  Follow the rules, and you should be fine.

Hey, you want to hear something frustrating?  You probably didn't need to read anything we just did.  Why not?  Because you should be using your calculator!!  Quit messing around with all this fantastic knowledge and plug exponents, square roots, scientific notation, and anything else fancy into your calculator.
Of course, you do need to know what to plug in, and if you're given variables, you have to know what to do, so it wasn't a TOTAL waste of time…