My students often have trouble remembering whether the cube root of x^4 is x^(4/3) or x^(3/4). So I use the analogy that fractional exponents are like trees.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
A Quick Mnemonic for Fractional Exponents
I forgot that I invented this mnemonic for fractional exponents, so I thought I'd share in a quick post between periods.
My students often have trouble remembering whether the cube root of x^4 is x^(4/3) or x^(3/4). So I use the analogy that fractional exponents are like trees.
When the sun shines, the POWER for the tree comes from the TOP (photosynthesis) while the ROOTS are on the BOTTOM.
My students often have trouble remembering whether the cube root of x^4 is x^(4/3) or x^(3/4). So I use the analogy that fractional exponents are like trees.
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