High School Math : Understanding Square Roots

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Radicals

Simplify the expression. Find the positive solution only.

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{50x^3y^4}\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 25x^2y^4\sqrt{2x}\)

\(\displaystyle 5xy^2\sqrt{2x}\)

\(\displaystyle 5xy\sqrt{2x}\)

\(\displaystyle 25xy\)

\(\displaystyle xy^2\sqrt{50xy^2}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 5xy^2\sqrt{2x}\)

Explanation:

When working in square roots, each component can be treated separately.

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{50x^3y^4}=\sqrt{50}\sqrt{x^3}\sqrt{y^4}\)

Now, we can simplify each term.

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{50}=5\sqrt{2}\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{x^3}=x\sqrt{x}\)

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{y^4}=y^2\)

Combine the simplified terms to find the answer. Anything outside of the square root is combined, while anything under the root is combined under the root.

\(\displaystyle (5\sqrt{2})(x\sqrt{x})(y^2)=5xy^2\sqrt{2x}\)

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