M:N:MC:5
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If where
and
which of the following equations gives
in terms of
Select an Answer
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Choice B is correct. There are multiple ways to approach this problem, but all require an understanding of the properties of exponents. The student may rewrite the equation as and then proceed to solve for
first by squaring both sides, which gives
and then multiplying both sides by
to find
Finally, dividing both sides by
isolates the desired variable.
Choice A is not the correct answer. This answer may result from a misunderstanding of the properties of exponents. The student may understand that a negative exponent can be translated to a fraction but misapply the fractional exponent.
Choice C is not the correct answer. This answer may result from a misunderstanding of the properties of exponents. A student may recognize that an exponent of is the same as the square root but misapply this information.
Choice D is not the correct answer. This answer may result from a misunderstanding of the properties of exponents. The student may recognize that the fractional exponent on is the same as the square root, and that therefore
can be isolated by squaring both sides. However, the student may not understand how the negative exponent affects the base.
Students must demonstrate fluency with the properties of exponents. They must be able to relate fractional exponents to radicals as well as demonstrate understanding of negative exponents.