Radicals are mathematical expressions that involve taking the root of a number or variable. They are represented by the radical symbol (√) and are commonly used in algebra and geometry.
To simplify radicals, you need to find the largest perfect square that is a factor of the number inside the radical. Then, you can rewrite the expression as the square root of the perfect square multiplied by the remaining number or variable inside the radical.
Common mistakes when working with radicals include forgetting to simplify the radical, incorrectly distributing exponents, and forgetting to rationalize the denominator (if necessary). It is important to double check your work and simplify as much as possible to avoid these errors.
A radical is the inverse operation of an exponent. While an exponent tells you how many times to multiply a number by itself, a radical tells you what number was multiplied by itself to get a certain result. For example, the cube root (∛) is the inverse of the cube exponent (³).
Radicals are used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and finance. They are used to calculate square footage and volume, to determine the decay rate of radioactive materials, and to calculate interest and compound growth in financial investments.