simplify 5 times square root of 2 7 / 1 0

joshcar

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Nov 12, 2008
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I do not know where to start on this problem. Please help.

Simplify: 5 times the square root of 2 7/10

Josh
 
Re: How do I simplify square roots?

Start by factoring out the largest perfect square.
 
joshcar said:
5 times the square root of 2 7/10 ? As typed, this expression makes no sense because it is ambiguous.


Hello Josh:

When typing mathematical expressions, we need to be clear. Point to "Forum Help" at the top of the page, and click on "Karl's Notes -- Typing Math" for more information.

There is no way for anybody to see the radicand in what you typed.

There is no way for anybody to know what is being divided by 10.

Are you trying to simplify the square root of 27?

If so, then we type that number as sqrt(27).

Rewrite 27 as a product of prime numbers. (If you do not understand prime factorizations, then you are not ready to simplify radicals. It's also crucial to understand the properties of radicals.)

After you write the square root of the prime factorization of 27, follow Roy's instruction.

EG:

Simplify sqrt(250).

sqrt(2 * 5^3) = sqrt(2 * 5 * 5^2) = sqrt(2 * 5) * sqrt(5^2) = sqrt(10) * 5 = 5 sqrt(10)

Cheers,

~ Mark :)

 
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