Determine the value of b.
b3 = 125
a) b = 41.7
b) b = ±41.7
c) b = 5
d) b = ±5
The correct answer is d) b = ±5.
Taking the cube root of 125 gives us 5. Since b^3 = 125, b = 5. Since there are two possible values for b that satisfy the equation, we use the ± symbol to indicate that b can be positive or negative. Therefore, b = ±5.