Simplifying 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

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 from under the radical sign.

Front

What is the square root of 16?

Back

4

Front

How do you simplify √(a^2)?

Back

√(a^2) simplifies to |a|.

Front

What is the product property of square roots?

Back

The product property states that √(a * b) = √a * √b.

Front

How do you simplify √(12x^2)?

Back

√(12x^2) simplifies to 2x√3.

Front

What is the sum of √(2) + √(2)?

Back

The sum is 2√(2).

Front

What is the difference between √(a) and √(b)?

Back

The difference cannot be simplified further unless a and b are perfect squares.

Front

How do you simplify √(a^4)?

Back

√(a^4) simplifies to a^2.

Front

What is the quotient property of square roots?

Back

The quotient property states that √(a/b) = √a / √b.