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If we have to evaluate
$[(-2)^\frac{3}{8}]^\frac{8}{3}$
would the answer be -2 or 2? My teacher says that in this case the exponents can't be multiplied as they are not natural numbers. Then how do we simplify it solving one bracket in a step?

user456
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    How do you suggest to define $z^a$, in the first place, when $z$ is not a nonnegative real number and $a$ is not an integer? – Did Nov 23 '16 at 16:13
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    Non-integer exponents do not make sense with negative bases. If you have this from a book or a teacher, then you shouldn't be reading that book or listening to that teacher. If you've invented this problem yourself, then the answer is "There is no solution". – Arthur Nov 23 '16 at 16:14
  • so is the entire expression not defined – user456 Nov 23 '16 at 16:14
  • @user456 check this answer: http://math.stackexchange.com/a/317546/133781 – Xam Nov 23 '16 at 16:19
  • i have got $$-2$$ – Dr. Sonnhard Graubner Nov 23 '16 at 16:26

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