Chapter 8: Problem 25
Simplify each radical. $$\sqrt{27 x^{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\sqrt{27x^{2}}\) simplifies to \(3\sqrt{3} * x\)
Step by step solution
01
Factorize the Radicand
First, factorize the radicand \(27x^{2}\). We can write-down \(27\) as \(3^{3}\) and \(x^{2}\) as \(x * x\). Hence, \(27x^{2} = 3^{3} * x * x\).
02
Apply the Rule of Simplification
Next, apply the rule \(\sqrt{a^{2}} = a\) for simplifying radicals. The square root of a square is the base itself. We know from Step 1 that our radicand can be expressed as \(3^{3} * x * x\). Thus \(\sqrt{27x^{2}}\) simplifies to \(3\sqrt{3} * x\).
03
Write down the final simplified form
After simplification, the given radical reduces to \(3\sqrt{3} * x\), which is the final answer.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Radicands
The term "radicand" refers to the number or expression inside a radical symbol, which signifies that it is under the square root. In the example \(\sqrt{27x^{2}}\), the radicand is \(27x^{2}\). Understanding how to work with radicands is a crucial step when simplifying radicals.
Here are the key things to know about radicands:
Here are the key things to know about radicands:
- Factorization: Breaking down the radicand into its prime factors is the first step in simplifying radicals. This involves recognizing all the components that make up the number or expression.
- Prime Factorization: In the example, \(27\) is factorized into \(3^3\), and \(x^2\) is written as \(x \cdot x\). When combined, it becomes \(3^3 \cdot x \cdot x\).
Square Roots
The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. The square root symbol \(\sqrt{}\) denotes the operation. For example, \(\sqrt{16} = 4\), since \(4 \cdot 4 = 16\). Square roots simplify square factors within expressions.
- Paired Factors: In our exercise, the goal is to identify pairs in the factorized form of the radicand. This is based on the principle \(\sqrt{a^{2}} = a\), where \(a\) is a positive real number.
- Simplifying Radicals: Apply the square root to all paired numbers and variables. In the exercise, the expression \(3^3 \cdot x \cdot x\) simplifies by taking \(x\) out of the square root, since \(x \cdot x\) forms a perfect square.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions contain numbers, variables, and operations. In the case of radicals, simplifying an expression means rewriting it in a simpler or more comprehensible form. Factors and powers play significant roles in breaking down more substantial expressions.
- Combination of Constants and Variables: An expression like \(27x^{2}\) includes both a numerical constant (27) and a variable part \(x^{2}\). These components together make up an algebraic expression.
- Simplification Techniques: Factoring and simplifying radical expressions are primary methods used to make algebraic expressions more accessible. Once factored as in \(3^3 \cdot x \cdot x\), we then simplify using known rules \(\sqrt{a^2} = a\) \(\text{for each pair of } a\.\)