Simplifying Radicals

Front

What is a radical in mathematics?

Back

A radical is a symbol that represents the root of a number, most commonly the square root.

Front

What does it mean to simplify a radical?

Back

To simplify a radical means to express it in its simplest form, removing any perfect square factors.

Front

Simplify √60

Back

2√15

Front

Simplify √200

Back

10√2

Front

In simplest radical form, what is √75?

Back

5√3

Front

Simplify √125

Back

5√5

Front

Simplify √45

Back

3√5

Front

What is the square root of a perfect square?

Back

The square root of a perfect square is a whole number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the perfect square.

Front

What is the prime factorization of 60?

Back

2 × 2 × 3 × 5 (or 2² × 3 × 5)

Front

How do you find the square root of a non-perfect square?

Back

Factor the number into its prime factors, then simplify by taking out pairs of prime factors.