What are the correct steps to calculate 16 raised to the power of 1/4?

To find the value of 16 to the power of 1/4, we can follow these steps:

1. Understand the Expression: The expression 16^1/4 indicates we are looking for the fourth root of 16.
2. Identify the Base: 16 can be expressed as a power of 2. Specifically, we know:
   • 16 = 2⁴
3. Apply the Power Rule: When we raise a power to another power, we multiply the exponents. So, we can rewrite our expression:
   • 16^1/4 = (2⁴)^1/4 = 2^{4 * (1/4)} = 2¹
4. Simplify the Expression: Now that we have simplified it, we find:
   • 2¹ = 2
5. Conclusion: Therefore, 16^1/4 equals 2. In simpler terms, if you think of the fourth root of 16, it is asking, “What number multiplied by itself four times gives 16?” The answer is 2.

In summary, the steps are:

• Recognize 16 as 2⁴
• Use the power rule to simplify the expression
• Simplify to find the final result, which is 2