Simplifying Square Roots

Watch the following video to understand the steps necessary when simplifying square roots. Double-click the play button to start the video.



To simplify expressions with radicals, follow these simple steps:

• Write the radicand (the number underneath the radical sign) as a product of prime numbers. For larger numbers you can write the factor tree to find the prime factorization.

• In this prime factorization identify pairs of equal numbers.

• For each such pair, take one number in front of the radical sign and do not write the other equal number at all.

• Multiply the remaining factors underneath the radical sign.



If you want to learn more about perfect squares click here.

To learn an algorithm for finding the square root of a large number without using a calculator,click here.

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