100 LearnersLast updated on July 16th, 2025
Fractional Exponents
Fractional exponents are exponents written as fractions. E.g., a^m/n, where m/n is the fractional exponent. This article explores fractional exponents, solved examples, and their applications.
What are Fractional Exponents?
Generally, exponents are of the form ab, where:
- a is referred to as the base
- b as the exponent.
If b is expressed as a fraction, it is called a fractional exponent.
Fractional exponents help in expressing powers and roots simultaneously, with the general form xm/n, where,
- x is the base
- m/n is the exponent,
Examples for fractional exponents are 31/2 and 64/5.
Difference Between Fractional Exponents & Integer Exponents
The table below clearly highlights the differences between fractional and integer exponents.
| Fractional Exponents | Integer Exponents |
| Applied when power is not a whole number. | Applied when a power is a whole number. |
| This involves roots and powers | They involve only powers |
| Expressed in the form of am/n | Expressed in the form of ab |
| Operation involves both powers and roots | Operation involves only powers |
| Example: 251/2 = √25 = 5 1252/3 = (3√125)2 = 52 = 25 |
Example: 52 = 25 5-2 = 1/25 |
Rules for Fractional Exponents
Rules simplify multiplying/dividing numbers with fractional exponents. Familiarity with whole-number exponents doesn't prevent common errors with fractional ones, which these rules address.
How to Simplify Fractional Exponents?
Use the below formula to break down the fractional exponents into their roots and powers.
am/n = n√am = (n√a)m
Either take the root first and then raise it to the power, or raise to the power first and then take the root, choosing the method that simplifies the calculation.
Example: Solve 811/2
Solution: 811/2 can also be written as 81 because a1/2 = square root of a.
So, 811/2 = √81 = 9.
How to Multiply Fractional Exponents?
We should follow the laws of exponents to multiply fractional exponents, especially this rule, which is as follows:
am . an = am+n , and,
For multiplying fractional exponents, it becomes a1m . a1n = a1m + 1n.
For example: Multiply 323 and 312.
Solution: To multiply 323 and 312
We have to add 23 and 12
23 + 12 = 76
Therefore, 323 312 = 376
How to Divide Fractional Exponents?
In this section, we will see how to perform division on fractional exponents. The process can be divided into two types:
Type 1: Division of exponents with the same base but different powers
Since we have the same base but different powers, we can use the exponent subtraction rule:
a1m a1n = a1m - 1n
The powers are subtracted, and the difference is written on the common base.
For example: Divide 323 and 312.
Solution: To Divide 323 and 312
We have to subtract the given powers, 23 and 12
23 - 12 = 16
Therefore, 323 312 = 316
Type 2: Division of fractional exponents with the same power but different bases
This is expressed as a1/mb1/m = (ab)1/m
For example: Divide 613 and 313.
Solution: To Divide 613 and 313.
We have to divide the given bases,
613 313 = (63)13 = 213
Real Life Applications of Fractional Exponents
Fractional exponents are useful in various real-life applications, especially in science, engineering, and finance, and below are some of them
1. Essentially, smooth lighting and shading in computer graphics often involve using fractional exponents in power law calculations that govern light intensity and reflection.
2. In structural analysis for architecture and design, formulas describing how materials behave under stress or how loads are supported frequently involve roots or fractional exponents in power laws (like square or cube roots of forces).
3. Musical scales often use roots of 2 to determine the relationships between note frequencies and pitches; for instance, the 12-tone equal temperament scale uses the 12th root of 2 as the ratio between neighboring notes.
4. Many natural diffusion processes, like heat spread or pollutant dispersal, often follow rules involving square roots of time (which are fractional powers).
5. In radiation and nuclear science, fractional power laws are sometimes used in dose-response models to estimate safe radiation exposure levels based on biological effects.
Common Mistakes while Operating with Fractional Exponents
Students often make mistakes while learning fractional exponents. To avoid these errors, take a look at some of the most commonly repeated mistakes among students.
Mistake 1
Misinterpreting the fractional exponent
Thinking that a1/n = a/n is incorrect. The correct way is a1/n = n√a and by remembering it, we can avoid mistakes. E.g., 41/2 = 2√4 = 2.
Mistake 2
Wrong order of root and power
Confusing am/n as m√an can lead to mistakes. The correct way is am/n = (n√a)m. Always, the denominator of the fraction represents the root. E.g., 94/2 = (2√9)4 = (3)4 = 81.
Mistake 3
Not applying the exponent to all terms
Neglecting to apply an exponent to every term inside parentheses will give an incorrect answer. The correct way is to apply the exponent to every term inside the parentheses.
Mistake 4
Thinking that the same rules work for all number systems
When working with modular arithmetic or complex numbers, be aware that root and exponent rules may differ from those in real numbers.
Mistake 5
Negative exponents used incorrectly
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of a number, rather than a negative number, and here is the correct way to do it a- m/n = 1/a m/n.
E.g., 2 -1/2 = 1/21/2 = 1/√2 ≈ 0.707.
Mistake 6
Using the wrong exponent laws
While multiplying x1/2 . x1/4 = x1/6 is the wrong way. The right way is to add the exponents x1/2 . x1/4 = x3/4
Solved Examples of Fractional Exponents
Problem 1
Solve 81^ 1/4
3
Explanation
Given 811/4, this means the 4th root of 81
Solving this, we get 4√81 = 3
Problem 2
Solve 25^1/2
5
Explanation
Given 251/2, this means the square root of 25
Solving this, we get √25 = 2
Problem 3
Multiply 4^2/3 and 4^5/2.
419/6
Explanation
To multiply 42/3 and 45/2
We have to add 2/3 and 5/2
We need to find the common denominator of 2/3 and 5/2. The LCM of 3 and 2 is 6. So converting 2/3 and 5/2 we get,
2/3 = 4/6 and 5/2 = 15/6
Now add 4/6 and 15/6
4/6 + 15/6 = 19/6
Therefore, 42/3 × 45/2 = 419/6
Problem 4
Divide 2^1/2 and 2^1/3.
21/6
Explanation
To divide fractional exponents with the same base but different powers,
We know, a1/m ÷ a1/n = a1/m - 1/n
Given, 21/2 and 21/3.
We have to subtract the given powers, 1/2 and 1/3
1/2 - 1/3 = 1/6
Therefore, 21/2 ÷ 21/3 = 21/6
Problem 5
Divide 21^2/3 and 7^2/3
32/3
Explanation
To divide fractional exponents with the same power but different bases,
We know, a1/m ÷ b1/m = (a ÷ b)1/m
We have to divide the given bases,
212/3 ÷ 72/3. = (21 ÷ 7)2/3 = 32/3
FAQs on Fractional Exponents
1.What are fractional exponents?
2.Can negative numbers be used as fractional exponents?
3.How to multiply fractional exponents?
4.How to divide fractional exponents?
5.Do fractional exponents obey the same rules as integer exponents?
6.How does learning Algebra help students in Canada make better decisions in daily life?
7.How can cultural or local activities in Canada support learning Algebra topics such as Fractional Exponents?
8.How do technology and digital tools in Canada support learning Algebra and Fractional Exponents?
9.Does learning Algebra support future career opportunities for students in Canada?
