CramX Logo

Q
QuestionMathematics

Which choices are real numbers? Check all that apply. A. $(- 16)^{1 / 4}$ B. $(- 4)^{1 / 2}$ C. $(- 32)^{1 / 5}$ D. $(- 8)^{1 / 3}$
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
Let's solve this step by step:

Step 2:
: Understand the definition of real numbers

- Real numbers include positive and negative rational and irrational numbers - For even roots (1 / 2, 1 / 4, etc.), the base must be non-negative - For odd roots (1 / 3, 1 / 5, etc.), the base can be negative

Step 3:
: Analyze option A: (- 16)^{1 / 4}

- 1 / 4 is an even root - Base is negative - Even roots of negative numbers are NOT real numbers - Therefore, A is NOT a real number

Step 4:
: Analyze option B: (- 4)^{1 / 2}

- 1 / 2 is an even root - Base is negative - Even roots of negative numbers are NOT real numbers - Therefore, B is NOT a real number

Step 5:
: Analyze option C: (- 32)^{1 / 5}

- 1 / 5 is an odd root - Base is negative - Odd roots of negative numbers ARE real numbers - Therefore, C IS a real number

Step 6:
: Analyze option D: (- 8)^{1 / 3}

- 1 / 3 is an odd root - Base is negative - Odd roots of negative numbers ARE real numbers - Therefore, D IS a real number

Final Answer

The real number choices are C and D.