How to Simplify Radical Expressions with Multiple Radicals?

In summary, a radical expression is a mathematical representation that contains a radical symbol and cannot be simplified into a whole number or fraction. To simplify a radical expression, one must find the factors of the number inside the radical and rewrite it using perfect squares. This process can also be applied to radical expressions with variables, but exponent rules must be applied first. The main difference between a radical expression and a rational expression is that the former contains a radical symbol while the latter contains a fraction with variables. Simplifying radical expressions can be useful in solving equations, simplifying complicated expressions, and making calculations in scientific and engineering problems.
  • #1
Albert1
1,221
0
simplify:

$\sqrt {21-4 \sqrt 5 +8\sqrt 3 - 4\sqrt {15}}$
 
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  • #2
Here is my solution:

\(\displaystyle 21+8\sqrt{3}-4\sqrt{5}-4\sqrt{15}=\)

\(\displaystyle 4+4\sqrt{3}-2\sqrt{5}+4\sqrt{3}+12-2\sqrt{15}-2\sqrt{5}-2\sqrt{15}+5=\)

\(\displaystyle \left(2+2\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{5} \right)^2\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{21+8\sqrt{3}-4\sqrt{5}-4\sqrt{15}}=2+2\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{5}\)
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
Here is my solution:

\(\displaystyle 21+8\sqrt{3}-4\sqrt{5}-4\sqrt{15}=\)

\(\displaystyle 4+4\sqrt{3}-2\sqrt{5}+4\sqrt{3}+12-2\sqrt{15}-2\sqrt{5}-2\sqrt{15}+5=\)

\(\displaystyle \left(2+2\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{5} \right)^2\)

Hence:

\(\displaystyle \sqrt{21+8\sqrt{3}-4\sqrt{5}-4\sqrt{15}}=2+2\sqrt{3}-\sqrt{5}\)

good solution :)
 

FAQ: How to Simplify Radical Expressions with Multiple Radicals?

What is a radical expression?

A radical expression is an expression that contains a radical, or square root, symbol. It is a mathematical representation of a number or quantity that cannot be simplified into a whole number or fraction.

How do you simplify radical expressions?

To simplify a radical expression, you must find the factors of the number inside the radical and rewrite it using perfect squares. Then, you can take the square root of the perfect squares to simplify the expression further.

Can you simplify a radical expression with variables?

Yes, you can simplify a radical expression with variables by following the same steps as simplifying a radical expression with numbers. However, if the variables have exponents, you must apply the exponent rules before simplifying.

What is the difference between a radical expression and a rational expression?

A radical expression contains a radical symbol, while a rational expression contains a fraction with variables in the numerator and denominator. Simplifying a radical expression involves finding perfect squares, while simplifying a rational expression involves finding common factors.

How can simplifying radical expressions be useful?

Simplifying radical expressions can be useful in various mathematical and scientific contexts. It can help in solving equations, simplifying complicated expressions, and simplifying measurements and units in physics and engineering problems.

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