Rewrite the fractional exponent as a radical: (a^{m/n} = sqrt[n]{a^m})
Use the denominator as the root index
Use the numerator as the power
If the exponent is negative, take the reciprocal first: (a^{-m/n} = frac{1}{a^{m/n}})
Simplify the radical if possible
Apply exponent rules when combining terms: (a^{m/n} cdot a^{p/q} = a^{m/n+p/q})
For products, distribute the exponent: ((ab)^{m/n} = a^{m/n}b^{m/n})
For quotients, distribute the exponent: (left(frac{a}{b}right)^{m/n} = frac{a^{m/n}}{b^{m/n}})
Check for domain restrictions when the root index is even
Convert back to exponential form if needed for easier calculation
Evaluate the power before the root when simplifying by hand