17: Radical Expressions and Functions
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- 17.3: Simplify Radical Expressions
- We will simplify radical expressions in a way similar to how we simplified fractions. A fraction is simplified if there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator. To simplify a fraction, we look for any common factors in the numerator and denominator. A radical expression, ⁿ√ a , is considered simplified if it has no factors of mⁿ. So, to simplify a radical expression, we look for any factors in the radicand that are powers of the index.
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- 17.6: Divide Radical Expressions
- We have used the Quotient Property of Radical Expressions to simplify roots of fractions. We will need to use this property ‘in reverse’ to simplify a fraction with radicals. We give the Quotient Property of Radical Expressions again for easy reference. Remember, we assume all variables are greater than or equal to zero so that no absolute value bars re needed.
Thumbnail: The mathematical expression "The (principal) square root of x". Image used with permission (GPL, David Vignoni (original icon); Flamurai (SVG convertion); bayo (color)).