The first thing we do, as always, is simplify each radical term if possible. The radical terms here are already simplified, so we can go straight to FOIL. We multiply the first terms: ,
which gives us .
We multiply the outside terms: ,
which gives us .
We multiply the inside terms: ,
which gives us .
We multiply the last terms: ,
which gives us .
Finally, adding the products we got from each piece of FOIL gives us .
We can't simplify this any, so we're done. Stick a fork in us. Be Careful: When multiplying radicals, write neatly so you know what's part of the radicand and what isn't. This is no time for your usual hieroglyphic-doctor-signature-chicken-scratch. is not the same thing as .
It's easy to make that mistake, so set yourself up for success. It's safer to write > as or or . However you write things, make sure you understand your own notation. If you forget or can't read what you wrote, no one will be able to help you. You'll be up a radical without a paddical. |