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.

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 square root of a product?

Back

The square root of a product is the product of the square roots: √(ab) = √a * √b.

Front

How do you simplify √(12)?

Back

√(12) simplifies to 2√3.

Front

What is the square root of a quotient?

Back

The square root of a quotient is the quotient of the square roots: √(a/b) = √a / √b.

Front

How do you simplify √(x^4)?

Back

√(x^4) simplifies to x^2.

Front

What is the simplified form of √(50x^2)?

Back

5x√2.

Front

What is the difference between rational and irrational numbers?

Back

Rational numbers can be expressed as a fraction, while irrational numbers cannot.