ACT Math : Basic Squaring / Square Roots

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Arithmetic

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To begin solving this problem, find the greatest perfect square for all quantities under a radical.  might seem intimidating, but remember that raising even single-digit numbers to the fourth power creates huge numbers. In this case,  is divisible by , a perfect fourth power.

 ---> 

Pull the perfect terms out of each term on the left:

 ---> 

Next, factor out  from the left-hand side:

 ---> 

Lastly, isolate , remembering to simplify the fraction where possible:

 ---> 

Example Question #11 : Basic Squaring / Square Roots

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To start, begin pulling the largest perfect square you can out of each number:

So, . You can just add the two terms together once they have a common radical.

Example Question #33 : Arithmetic

Simplify: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Again here, it is easiest to recognize that both of our terms are divisible by , a prime number likely to appear in our final answer:

Now, simplify our perfect squares:

Lastly, subtract our terms with a common radical:

Example Question #11 : Basic Squaring / Square Roots

Solve for 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To begin solving this problem, find the greatest common perfect square for all quantities under a radical.

 ---> 

Factor out the square root of each perfect square:

 ---> 

Next, factor out  from each term on the left-hand side of the equation:

 ---> 

Lastly, isolate :

 ---> 

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Square Roots

Find the product:

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Simplify the radicals, then multiply:

Example Question #1 : How To Multiply Square Roots

Simplify the following completely:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To simplify this expression, simply multiply the radicands and reduce to simplest form.

Example Question #3 : How To Multiply Square Roots

Simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying square roots, the easiest thing to do is first to factor each root. Thus:

Now, when you combine the multiplied roots, it will be easier to come to your final solution. Just multiply together everything "under" the roots:

Finally this can be simplified as:

Example Question #4 : How To Multiply Square Roots

Simplify the following:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When multiplying square roots, the easiest thing to do is first to factor each root. Thus:

Now, when you combine the multiplied roots, it will be easier to come to your final solution. Remember that multiplying roots is very easy! Just multiply together everything "under" the roots:

Finally this can be simplified as:

Example Question #5 : How To Multiply Square Roots

State the product: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Don't try to do too much at first for this problem. Multiply your radicals and your coefficients, then worry about any additional simplification.

Now simplify the radical.

Example Question #6 : How To Multiply Square Roots

Find the product: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Don't try to do too much at first for this problem. Multiply your radicals and your coefficients, then worry about any additional simplification.

Now, simplify your radical.

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