I have a question about the root test. If we have 5x^5 + 2 in the denominator, then does the root(1/x) apply to the whole denominator as one, for example (5x^5 + 2)^1/x or would it be applied separately.

Thanks

you must evaluate the stuff inside the bracket before you can take the root. (by order of operation rules)

e.g. if x = 2 , the (1/x)th root would be the square root
and (5x^2 + 5)^(1/x)
= (5(4)+5)^(1/2)
= 25^(1/2)
= √25
= 5