Simplifying, Adding, and Subtracting Radicals

Front

What is a radical?

Back

A radical is a symbol used to indicate the root of a number, most commonly the square root.

Front

How do you simplify √a * √b?

Back

√a * √b = √(a * b).

Front

What is the process for adding radicals?

Back

To add radicals, they must have the same index and radicand. Combine the coefficients of like radicals.

Front

What is the process for subtracting radicals?

Back

Similar to addition, subtracting radicals requires them to have the same index and radicand. Combine the coefficients of like radicals.

Front

How do you simplify √(a^2)?

Back

√(a^2) = a, where a is non-negative.

Front

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

Back

√(x^2y) = x√y, where x is non-negative.

Front

What is the simplified form of √(a^2 - b^2)?

Back

√(a^2 - b^2) cannot be simplified further without specific values for a and b.

Front

What is the simplified form of √(18)?

Back

√(18) = 3√2.

Front

What is the simplified form of √(150)?

Back

√(150) = 5√6.

Front

How do you combine like radicals?

Back

Combine like radicals by adding or subtracting their coefficients.