Simplify the expression

Question

Simplify the expression, if possible. Assume that the variable can be any real number, and use absolute value symbols when necessary. (If the solution is not a real number, enter NOT REAL.)

(-x^4)^(1/4)

Answer 1

The way you've written it, the first term is -x⁴.  Since x⁴ is the square of x², and squares of real numbers are always positive, -x⁴ is always negative.

 

So it is asking you to take the 4th root of a negative number.  An even root of a negative number cannot be real.  So the answer is NOT REAL.