How to simplify radical expressions

Hey there!

To simplify radical expressions, refer to the conversion of a radical expression to a number with an exponent:



Remember that if you don't see an index, there is an implied "2" that will go where "a" is. 

Depending on your problem, you could also cancel a radical by raising the entire expression by the second power (only if your index is 2). 

Hope this helped you out! :-)

15. 32x=x^2
      x^2-32x=0
     (x-32)x=0
      x=0 or 32

16.0=2x^2-72
     0=(x-6)(x+6)
     x=6 or -6

17. 9x^2-4=0
      (3x-2)(3x+2)=0
      x=3/2 or -3/2