Simplify the radical.
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Simplifying Radical Expressions
Problem 29
Textbook Question
Use the quotient rule to simplify the expressions in Exercises 23–32. Assume that x > 0.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the given expression as a quotient of two square roots: \(\frac{\sqrt{150x^4}}{\sqrt{3x}}\).
Recall that the quotient of square roots can be combined into a single square root: \(\sqrt{\frac{150x^4}{3x}}\).
Simplify the fraction inside the square root by dividing the coefficients and subtracting the exponents of like bases: \(\frac{150}{3} = 50\) and \(x^{4} \div x^{1} = x^{4-1} = x^{3}\), so the expression becomes \(\sqrt{50x^{3}}\).
Factor the radicand (the expression inside the square root) to simplify further: \$50x^{3} = 25 \cdot 2 \cdot x^{2} \cdot x$.
Use the property \(\sqrt{a^2} = a\) to simplify the square root: \(\sqrt{25} = 5\) and \(\sqrt{x^{2}} = x\), so the expression simplifies to \$5x\sqrt{2x}$.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
5mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quotient Rule for Radicals
The quotient rule for radicals states that the square root of a quotient is equal to the quotient of the square roots, i.e., √(a/b) = √a / √b. This allows simplification of expressions involving square roots in numerator and denominator by separating or combining them.
Recommended video:
Product, Quotient, and Power Rules of Logs
Simplifying Radicals
Simplifying radicals involves factoring the radicand to extract perfect squares and reduce the expression. For example, √150 can be broken down into √(25*6) = 5√6, making the expression easier to handle and combine with other terms.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Adding & Subtracting Unlike Radicals by Simplifying
Laws of Exponents
When simplifying expressions with variables under radicals, use exponent rules such as √(x^n) = x^(n/2). Also, when dividing like bases, subtract exponents: x^a / x^b = x^(a-b). These rules help rewrite and simplify the expression efficiently.
Recommended video:
Guided course
Rational Exponents
Related Videos
Related Practice
Multiple Choice
663
views
15
rank
