RADICALS √
A square root or radical is said to be
simplified when:
1. there are no perfect square factors
(besides 1) under the radical
2. there is not a fraction under the
radical
3. there is not a radical in the
denominator
To simplify a radical, "take out" from
under the radical sign the largest
perfect square factor contained within
the radicand.
Example:
√8
√50
If you cannot easily see the largest
perfect square factor in the radicand,
use the prime factorization method.
Example:
1. Factor
2. Find the perfect square pairs.
3. "Take out" from under
the radical sign the square
root of each perfect square.
√150
**What is the largest perfect square that divides
evenly into the radicand?
Radical wksht
HW # 48
p. 255 # 1 ­ 12