standard_description: Explain how the definition of the meaning of rational exponents follows from extending the properties of integer exponents to those values, allowing for a notation for radicals in terms of rational exponents. For example, we define 5^(1/3) to be the cube root of 5 because we want (5^(1/3))^(3) = 5(^(1/3))^(3) to hold, so (5^(1/3))^(3) must equal 5.
problem_activity: The square below has an area of
$${20}$$
square units.
[IMG]
Taylor writes the equation
$$s^2={20}$$
to find the measure of the side length of the square. She reasons that the solution to the equation is
$$\sqrt{20}$$
and concludes that the side length of the square is
$${10}$$
units.
Do you agree with Taylor? Explain why or why not. If you disagree, include the correct side length of the square.


aligns: no