Simplify Radicals with variables

Front

What is a radical?

Back

A radical is a symbol used to indicate the root of a number, most commonly the square root.

Front

How do you simplify a radical expression?

Back

To simplify a radical expression, factor the number under the radical into its prime factors and look for pairs of factors.

Front

What is the square root of 36?

Back

6

Front

What is the square root of 25x^2?

Back

5x

Front

Simplify: √(a^2)

Back

a (for a ≥ 0)

Front

What does it mean to simplify √(ab)?

Back

It means to express the radical in its simplest form, often by factoring out perfect squares.

Front

Simplify: √(4x^2)

Back

2x

Front

What is the simplified form of √(80)?

Back

4√5

Front

How do you handle variables under a radical?

Back

Variables can be simplified by taking the square root of their exponents.

Front

Simplify: √(x^4)

Back

x^2