Chapter 7: Problem 58
Simplify each radical. Assume that all variables represent positive real numbers. $$ \sqrt{16 x^{8}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified radical is \( 4x^4 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Components
First, let's break down the expression to understand each part. The expression is \( \sqrt{16x^8} \), which contains a constant term 16 and a variable term \( x^8 \). We know that both are under the square root.
02
Simplify the Constant Term
The square root of 16 is 4, because \( 4^2 = 16 \). Thus, we can simplify the constant term to 4 outside the square root.
03
Simplify the Variable Term
For \( x^8 \), we use the property \( \sqrt{x^{2n}} = x^n \). Here, \( x^8 = (x^4)^2 \), so \( \sqrt{x^8} = x^4 \).
04
Combine Results
Now that we have simplified both components, combine them. The simplified expression is \( 4x^4 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Square Roots
Square roots are a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly in relation to radicals. The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 16 is 4, since multiplying 4 by 4 equals 16.
- Notation: The square root of a number is denoted by the radical symbol \(\sqrt{}\). For instance, \(\sqrt{16}\) represents the principal square root of 16.
- Principal Square Root: Generally, when we refer to the square root of a positive number, we are referring to its principal square root, which is always positive. In our example, \(\sqrt{16}\) simplifies to 4, not -4, even though \((-4) \times (-4) = 16\).
Exponent Rules
Exponent rules are essential for simplifying expressions that involve powers of variables. They tell us how to handle operations on numbers with exponents.
- Product of Powers: When multiplying like bases, add the exponents. For example, \(x^a \times x^b = x^{a+b}\).
- Power of a Power: When raising an exponent to another power, multiply the exponents: \((x^a)^b = x^{ab}\).
- Power of a Product: Distribute the exponent to each factor inside the parentheses: \((xy)^a = x^a y^a\).
- Simplifying Radicals: When simplifying expressions under a square root, using the rule \(\sqrt{x^{2n}} = x^n\) can be helpful. It allows us to take paired factors from under the square root.
Radical Expressions
Radical expressions involve roots, such as square roots, cube roots, etc. Simplifying a radical expression requires a solid grasp of both square roots and exponent rules. With these, you can deconstruct and simplify radicals confidently.
- Breaking Down Radicals: When faced with a composite number or a variable under a radical, break it down into known factors which can be managed separately.
- Combining Like Terms: When simplifying, always combine similar terms, simplifying both constants and variables separately using rules of exponents.
- Radicals in Algebra: In algebraic expressions containing radicals, identify opportunities to simplify each part using the properties of roots and powers.