Select the correct answer.

Rewrite the following radical expression in rational exponent form.

[tex]\[
(\sqrt{x})^5
\][/tex]

A. [tex]\(x^{\frac{2}{5}}\)[/tex]

B. [tex]\(x^{\frac{5}{2}}\)[/tex]

C. [tex]\(\left(\frac{1}{x^2}\right)^5\)[/tex]

D. [tex]\(\frac{x^2}{x^5}\)[/tex]



Answer :

Certainly! Let's rewrite the given radical expression [tex]\((\sqrt{x})^5\)[/tex] in rational exponent form step-by-step.

1. Understand the Square Root as an Exponent:
The square root of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] can be written as [tex]\( x \)[/tex] raised to the power of [tex]\( \frac{1}{2} \)[/tex]. Therefore,
[tex]\[ \sqrt{x} = x^{\frac{1}{2}} \][/tex]

2. Apply the Exponent to the Entire Expression:
Now we have the expression [tex]\((x^{\frac{1}{2}})^5\)[/tex].

3. Use the Property of Exponents:
When you raise a power to another power, you multiply the exponents. Here’s the rule: [tex]\((a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n}\)[/tex]. Applying this rule:
[tex]\[ (x^{\frac{1}{2}})^5 = x^{\frac{1}{2} \cdot 5} \][/tex]

4. Multiply the Exponents:
Now, multiply the two exponents:
[tex]\[ \frac{1}{2} \cdot 5 = \frac{5}{2} \][/tex]

5. Rewrite the Expression:
So, [tex]\((x^{\frac{1}{2}})^5\)[/tex] becomes:
[tex]\[ x^{\frac{5}{2}} \][/tex]

Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{B: x^{\frac{5}{2}}} \][/tex]