Over the course of Algebra 1, many students will likely encounter a symbol that looks like this: √. The symbol is often called a square root sign, but it is actually called a radical sign. Therefore, a radical expression is an expression that contains a variable underneath the radical sign, and a radical equation is an equation that contains at least one radical expression. In this unit, we will explore the world of radicals and how to simplify radical expressions and solve radical equations.
Guiding Questions
How do processes for performing operations with polynomials relate to operations with radical expressions?
How does the principle of squaring help to find solutions of a radical equation and why does it sometimes lead to numbers that are not solutions of the original radical equation?
How can radical equations be used to solve application problems?
Lessons in Unit 7:
Lesson 1: Introduction and Simplifying Radical Expressions
Lesson 2: Multiplying and Dividing Radical Expressions
Lesson 3: Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying with Several Terms
Lesson 4: Rationalizing Denominators