Explain why rational exponenets are not defined when the denominator of the exponent in lowest terms is even and the base is negative. < < read less

Recall that one of the rules of exponents states that


Now, let x be a negative number and n, an even number, then


But the even root of a negative number is not a real number.
for example, is not a real number, rather a complex number.

Hence, rational exponents are not defined when the denominator of the exponent in lowest terms is even and the base is negative.