3square root 2 + 8 - 5square root 2

[lrinck]

Perform the indicated operations and simplify your answers. Assume that all variables represent positive real numbers.

3square root 2 + 8 - 5square root 2

 

[skeeter]

you have two like terms in the expression ...

so, tell me, what do you get when you combine
\(\displaystyle 3\sqrt{2}\) with -\(\displaystyle 5\sqrt{2}\)?

the 8 will just come along for the ride.

 

[lrinck]

-2square root 2 + 8 ??

 

[skeeter]

bingo! ... we have a winner!