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

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

Simplify: √36

Back

6

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

Simplify: √(a^2)

Back

a (for a ≥ 0)

Front

What does it mean to simplify √(a*b)?

Back

It means to express the radical as √a * √b, if both a and b are non-negative.

Front

Simplify: 4√(16)

Back

16

Front

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

Back

x√y (for x ≥ 0)

Front

Simplify: 3√(8)

Back

6√2

Front

What is the process of rationalizing the denominator?

Back

Rationalizing the denominator involves eliminating radicals from the denominator of a fraction.