Surds

In this video, Lucy introduces the concept of surds, which are square roots that cannot be simplified to whole numbers. She explains their importance in mathematics, particularly in maintaining accuracy in calculations, such as in Pythagorean theorem. The video covers how to identify surds, their usefulness, and provides a detailed explanation on simplifying surds using square numbers. Lucy also offers practice questions to reinforce learning and concludes with a preview of the next video, which will cover operations with surds.

Which of the following is a surd?

• Square root of 2

• Square root of 16

• Square root of 9/16

• Square root of 25

Why are surds considered useful in mathematical calculations?

• They simplify to integers.

• They are always whole numbers.

• They can be converted into fractions.

• They are easier to write than decimals.

What is the simplified form of the square root of 1,044?

• 29 root 6

• Root 1,044

• 6 root 29

• 31.31

When simplifying surds, what is the first step?

• Convert to a fraction

• Find a square number that divides into the surd

• Multiply by 10

• Divide by 2

Which of the following is a correct simplification of root 180?

• Root 9 times root 20

• Root 4 times root 45

• Root 36 times root 5

• Root 18 times root 10