If n is a natural number greater than 1 and b is any real number, then 
and since a negative exponent indicates a reciprocal, then 
Example 1
Simplify each of the following.
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36 1/2
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(72 x 4 y) 1/3
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16 –(1/4)
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If n is a natural number greater than 1, m is an integer, and b is a non‐negative real number, then 
and 
Example 2
Simplify each of the following.
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27 2/3
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25 –(3/2)
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