Simplifying Radicals

Front

What is a radical in mathematics?

Back

A radical is a symbol that represents the root of a number, most commonly the square root (√) or cube root (∛).

Front

How do you simplify a square root?

Back

To simplify a square root, factor the number under the radical into its prime factors, then pair the factors to take them out of the radical.

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front

What does it mean to simplify a cube root?

Back

To simplify a cube root, factor the number under the radical into its prime factors and take out any groups of three.

Front

Back

Front

How do you identify perfect squares?

Back

Perfect squares are numbers that can be expressed as the square of an integer, such as 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, etc.

Front

Back

Front

What is the difference between a square root and a cube root?

Back

A square root (√) finds a number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number, while a cube root (∛) finds a number that, when multiplied by itself three times, gives the original number.

Front

What is the first step in simplifying radicals?

Back

The first step is to factor the number under the radical into its prime factors.