jmc

Question

When you simplify [3]24a^4b^6c^11, what is the sum of the exponents of the variables that are outside the radical?

Accepted Answer

Factor the radicand, to yield [3]24a^4b^6c^11 = [3](2^3a^3b^6c^9)3ac^2 = 2ab^2c^3[3]3ac^2. The sum of the exponents of a, b, and c outside the radical is 1+2+3=6.