Question

How to simplify radicals

Answer 1

Find prime factorization of the # inside the radical. Start by dividing the # by the 1st prime # 2 and continue dividing by 2 until you get a decimal or remainder. Then divide by 3, 5, 7, etc. until the only #’s left are prime numbers. Also factor any variables inside the radical.
Step 2: Determine the index of the radical. The index tells you how many of a kind you need to put together to be able to move that number or variable from inside the radical to outside the radical. For example, if the index is 2 (a square root), then you need two of a kind to move from inside the radical to outside the radical. If the index is 3 (a cube root), then you need three of a kind to move from inside the radical to outside the radical.
Step 3: Move each group of numbers or variables from inside the radical to outside the radical. If there are nor enough numbers or variables to make a group of two, three, or whatever is needed, then leave those numbers or variables inside the radical. Notice that each group of numbers or variables gets written once when they move outside the radical because they are now one group.
Step 4: Simplify the expressions both inside and outside the radical by multiplying. Multiply all numbers and variables inside the radical together. Multiply all numbers and variables outside the radical together.