Simplifying Radicals

Front

What is a radical in mathematics?

Back

A radical is a symbol used to represent 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

Simplify: √32

Back

4√2

Front

Simplify: √60

Back

2√15

Front

Simplify: √96

Back

4√6

Front

Simplify: √243

Back

9√3

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 are the steps to simplify a radical?

Back

1. Factor the number under the radical into its prime factors. 2. Identify and extract any perfect squares. 3. Rewrite the radical in simplified form.

Front

What is the prime factorization of 32?

Back

2^5 or 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2.