standard_description: Work with 2 × 2 matrices as a transformations of the plane, and interpret the absolute value of the determinant in terms of area.
problem_activity: Provide a written explanation for each question below.
a.   Is it true that
$${\left(1000^{1\over3}\right)^3=(1000^3)^{1\over3}}$$
? Explain or show how you know.
b.   Is it true that
$${\left(4^{1\over2}\right)^3=(4^3)^{1\over2}}$$
? Explain or show how you know.
c.   Suppose that
$$m$$
and
$$n$$
are positive integers and
$$b$$
is a real number so that the principal
$$n^{th}$$
root of
$$b$$
exists. In general, does
$$\left(b^{1\over n}\right)^m=(b^m)^{1\over n}$$
? Explain or show how you know.


aligns: no