Chapter 9: Problem 117
Simplify each radical expression, if possible. Assume all variables are unrestricted. $$ \sqrt{n^{2}+12 n+36} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified form of the expression is \(n+6\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Radical Expression Type
The given expression is \( \sqrt{n^{2}+12 n+36} \). It is a square root of a polynomial expression, which can potentially be simplified.
02
Check for Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial takes the form \((a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\). Compare this form with the given expression \(n^{2} + 12n + 36\) to see if it matches the formula for a perfect square.
03
Determine Components of the Perfect Square
To match \(n^{2} + 12n + 36\) with \((n+b)^2 = n^2 + 2nb + b^2\), observe that \(2nb = 12n\) gives \(b = 6\). Moreover, \(b^2 = 36\) is consistent with \(b = 6\).
04
Express as a Square
The trinomial \(n^{2} + 12n + 36\) can be written as \( (n+6)^2 \).
05
Simplify the Radical Expression
Since \((n+6)^2\) is a perfect square, its square root is the expression itself without the square: \(\sqrt{ (n+6)^2 } = n+6\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Perfect Square Trinomial
A perfect square trinomial is a type of polynomial expression that can be factored into a square of a binomial. Let’s break it down:
- It has a standard form: \((a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2\).
- This form indicates that the trinomial results from squaring a simple expression \((a+b)\).
- Compare the first term with \(a^2\) and the last term with \(b^2\).
- Ensure the middle term is twice the product of the terms that would square to give \(a\) and \(b\); that is, check if the middle term matches \(2ab\).
- \(a^2 = n^2\), so \(a = n\).
- \(b^2 = 36\), so \(b = 6\).
- Middle term is \(12n\), which is \(2nb\) confirming it as \((n+6)^2\).
Square Root of Polynomial
Finding the square root of a polynomial, especially a perfect square trinomial, simplifies significantly when you recognize it as a squared expression.
- The idea is to "undo" the square operation.
- When you square a number or expression, you create a perfect square.
- When taking the square root of a perfect square, you return to the original number or expression.
- \(\sqrt{(n+6)^2}\) is essentially asking, "What squared equals \((n+6)^2\)?"
- The answer, of course, is \(n+6\).
Radical Simplification Process
Simplifying radicals involves reducing a radical expression into its simplest form. This process is vital in mathematics as it makes expressions easier to work with. Here, the goal is to present the expression in a simpler or more usable form.
- First, identify if the expression under the radical is a perfect square.
- If it is, like in our example with \(\sqrt{n^{2}+12 n+36}\) simplifying becomes a matter of recognizing it as \(\sqrt{(n+6)^2}\).
- In simplifying this, since \((n+6)^2\) is already a perfect square, you can directly simplify the given expression to \(n+6\).
- Look for terms that can be squared to form parts of the radical expression.
- Use these observations to simplify accurately and efficiently.