Fractional exponents vs. radical form ...

[DrD]

(03-10-2020 02:51 PM)CyberAngel Wrote:  The root function has a different defining area/range from rational or reciprocal exponent function.
That according to high school math.

The use of parentheses, (-1) in my original example, was an important distinction, (to clarify the order of operations). My thinking was that:

x^[even numerator]/denominator;

would result in a real-value, regardless of the fractional vs. radical form, (for real-value inputs).

Example:

x^(2/1) where x=(-n)

Processed as:

[(-n) * (-n)] = (+)n^2,

not:

-1 * (n * n) = (-)n^2.