Square root question?

Question

-2
_____
√a^3

Is what in simpliest form. I got this can you check if this is correct:

-2
___
a^2

IF not explain the steps you used. Thanks

And this one not sure:

16a
____
√6a^3


I got this 16√6
____
6a

Is this right also?

Thanks for the advice but can you just tell me if the answers are wrong or right and if wrong what is the answer!...

Answer 1

Mathematicans are fussy and dont like radicals in the denominator. So we have to do this stuff. First, you multiply and divide the problem by the denominator term. This removes the square root sign downstairs. Then you clean up the mess, but you should have the term in the numerator when you are done, unless you can factor something out to help clean up the mess. However, it is unusual NOT to have something left in a sqrt in the numerator.

Answer 2

just rationalize the denominator by multiplying by √a^3 / √a^3 and get -2√a^3 / a^3

Answer 3

wow umm im sorry but i havent learned this yet in my algebra class yet. hmmm...well sorry!