Chapter 9: Problem 79
Simplify each expression, if possible. All variables represent positive real numbers. $$ \sqrt{32 b} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\sqrt{32b} = 4\sqrt{2b}\).
Step by step solution
01
Break Down the Square Root
The expression under the square root is \(32b\). We can break it down as \(\sqrt{32b} = \sqrt{32} \times \sqrt{b}\). Since the variables represent positive real numbers, this breakdown is valid.
02
Write 32 as a Product of Perfect Squares
The number 32 can be rewritten as a product of a perfect square, specifically, \(32 = 16 \times 2\). This allows us to use the property \(\sqrt{a \times b} = \sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b}\) for our next step.
03
Simplify the Perfect Square
Substitute \(16 \times 2\) for \(32\) in the square root: \(\sqrt{32} = \sqrt{16 \times 2}\). Since 16 is a perfect square, we have \(\sqrt{16 \times 2} = \sqrt{16} \times \sqrt{2}\). Compute \(\sqrt{16} = 4\), so \(\sqrt{32} = 4\sqrt{2}\).
04
Combine the Results
Now substitute back into the expression: \(\sqrt{32b} = \sqrt{32} \times \sqrt{b} = 4\sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{b}\). This simplifies to \(4\sqrt{2b}\). Therefore, \(\sqrt{32b} = 4\sqrt{2b}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Perfect Squares
Understanding perfect squares is crucial when simplifying square roots. A perfect square is simply a number that can be expressed as the square of an integer. For example:
- The number 16 is a perfect square because it can be written as \(4^2\).
- Similarly, 9 is a perfect square since it equals \(3^2\).
- Numbers like 25 are also perfect squares, as they can be expressed as \(5^2\).
Properties of Square Roots
Square roots possess several properties that make calculations easier. Recognizing these properties can greatly assist in simplification processes. Here are key properties:
- The square root of a product: \(\sqrt{a \times b} = \sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b}\). This allows you to split square roots into more manageable parts.
- The square root of a quotient: \(\sqrt{\frac{a}{b}} = \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}}\), useful when handling fractions.
Positive Real Numbers
When working with square roots and variables, it's often mentioned that these variables are positive real numbers. But why is this important?Firstly, a real number is any value along the continuous number line, covering every possible number you might encounter in practical situations.
- Positive real numbers are those greater than zero.
- This assumption ensures that no negative numbers appear under the square root, as taking the square root of a negative number results in an imaginary number.