Question

simplify $16^{1/2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall exponent rule

The exponent rule for a fractional exponent \(a^{\frac{m}{n}}=\sqrt[n]{a^m}\). For \(16^{\frac{1}{2}}\), \(n = 2\), \(m=1\), so \(16^{\frac{1}{2}}=\sqrt{16^1}=\sqrt{16}\).

Step2: Calculate square root

We know that \(4\times4 = 16\), so \(\sqrt{16}=4\).

Answer:

\(4\)