SIMPLIFYIN

G
RADICALS
 
To Simplifying Radicals the following must be
observed:
The radicand has no factor that is a perfect nth root.
The denominator of a fraction does not contain a
radical.
The index of a radical must be in lowest possible form.
 
To simplify , where is a perfect nth root, divide
by giving . Therefore,
 
 
 
Case #1: The radicand has no factor that is a
perfect nth root.

Example 1.

Simplify
Case #1: The radicand has no factor that is a
perfect nth root.

Example 1.Simplify
Solution:
To find the square root of 18, find the factors
of 18 containing the largest possible perfect
square.
Example 2.

Simplify
Example 2.Simplify

Solution:
Since that is already perfect cube find only
the factors of containing the largest possible
perfect cube.
Example 3.

Simplify
Example 3.Simplify

Solution:
Factor the radicand that is perfect 5th root.
Case #2: The denominator of a fraction does not contain a radical.
Definition:
Rationalization is the process of eliminating the radicals in the
denominator of a fraction.

Example 1.
Simplify
Case #2: The denominator of a fraction does not contain a radical.
Definition:
Rationalization is the process of eliminating the radicals in the
denominator of a fraction.
Example 1.Simplify
Solution: Multiply the radicand by to make the denominator a perfect
square.
Example 2.

Simplify
Example 2.Simplify
Solution:
Multiply the radicand by to make the denominator a
perfect cube.
Example 3.

Simplify
 
Example 3.Simplify
Solution:
Multiply the radicand by to make the denominator a
perfect cube.

 
Case #3: The index of a radical must be in lowest
possible form.

Example 1.

Simplify
 
Case #3: The index of a radical must be in lowest
possible form.
Example 1.Simplify
 method 1(Radical form)
method 2 (Exponential form)
Solution:
Applying the Laws of Radicals and since that the
radicand 16 is a perfect square the inner index will be
2(square root). Then the given expression will be written
in

Therefore,
Example 2.

Simplify
Example 2.Simplify
Solution:
Since that 125 is a perfect cube the inner
index will be 3 (cube root). Then the given
expression will be written in

Therefore,
Example 3.

Simplify
Example 3.Simplify

Solution:

Therefore,
GENERALIZATIO
N
ACTIVITY
A. Directions: Simplify the following
radical expressions.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
B. Directions: Simplify the following radicals.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
C. Directions: Simplify.
 
1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.
9. 10.
ACTIVITY
➤ Activity 6: Why Am I
True/Why Am I False?

pp. 257 - 258

ANSWE
R KEY