GRE Math : How to multiply square roots

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #54 : Arithmetic

Solve for :

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

You can "break apart" the fractional square root:

into:

Therefore, you can rewrite your equation as:

Now, multiply both sides by :

Now, you can square both sides of your equation and get:

Example Question #55 : Arithmetic

The length of a square courtyard is  feet.

What is the area of the courtyard?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The area of a square is length squared. In this case, that would be  which is equivalent to . At this point, you multiply the values underneath the square root, then simplify:

 .

The square root of a base squared is then just the base: 

 

Lastly, we apply the appropriate units, therefore the area of the courtyard is .

Example Question #56 : Arithmetic

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Begin by multiplying what is under the square roots together. Remember:

Therefore:

We must now try to reduce the square root. Look for factors that can be taken out that can be easily square-rooted. It's a good idea to start with small square roots . In this case, we can factor out a 9 from 135:

Now take the square root of 9, and we are left with our answer:

Example Question #57 : Arithmetic

Solve:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve this problem, we must know how to multiply/divide with square roots. The rules involved are quite simple. When multiplying square roots together, multiply the coeffcients of the two numbers together and then multiply the two radicands together. The product of the radicand becomes the new radicand and the product of the coeffcients become the new coeffcient. The radicand is simply the number within the square root.

 

Dividing square roots follows the exact same rules as multiplying square roots, divide the coeffcients together, the result is the coeffcient for final answer. Do the same for the radicands.

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