Simplifying Radicals
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| Algebra | Exponents and Radicals |
| Exponents and Radicals | Simplifying Radicals |
| Language | English Language |
| Math | Algebra |
| Mathematics and Statistics Assessment | Powers, Roots, and Radicals |
| Number and Quantity | Use properties of rational and irrational numbers |
Transcript
homework, the instructions tell her to simplify it.
In the case of radicals, simplifying means to find another expression with the same value,
not to find a decimal approximation of the radical.
We start by finding any two factors of 54, numbers that can divide 54 and leave a remainder
of zero. Say...9 and 6. Then continue simplifying until we're only left with prime factors.
We can factor 9 into 3 and 3...and 6 by 3 and 2. No one likes to be lonely...so let's
pair up repeated numbers and take them out of the radical...3 and 3 pair up...and we're
left with 3 and 2. Since they don't have any potential partners, we can just multiply the
numbers back togetherÉ Éleaving us with 3 root 6.
Ah..the simple life.