how do you simplify radical expressions?
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"simplifying radicals" algebra
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Intermediate Algebra Tutorial on Simplifying radical expressions
To simplify radical expressions, follow these steps:
1. Determine the factors of the number inside the radical symbol.
2. Find the largest perfect square factor among the factors obtained in step 1.
3. Rewrite the radical expression by taking the square root of the perfect square factor from step 2.
4. Multiply the square root obtained in step 3 by any remaining factors, if any.
Here's an example:
Consider the radical expression √72.
Step 1: Find the factors of 72 -> 2, 2, 2, 3, 3.
Step 2: Identify the largest perfect square factor -> 2 * 2 * 2 = 8.
Step 3: Rewrite the expression as √(8 * 9).
Step 4: Take the square root of the perfect square factor -> √8 = 2√2.
Step 5: Multiply the square root by any remaining factors -> 2√2 * 3 = 6√2.
So, √72 simplifies to 6√2.