Objective: Understand what a radical expression is and how to simplify them.
The square root of a number is any number that when multiplied by itself equals that number. For example, 5 is the square root of 25, because 5*5 is 25. -5 is also the square root of 25, because (-5)*(-5)= 25. When discussing square roots, a radical sign (otherwise known as a square root symbol) is often used. A radical expression is an algebraic expression that contains at least one radical sign. Watch the video below to learn about radical signs, square roots, and other introductory vocabulary for radical expressions.
Like all algebraic expressions, we always want to express radical expressions in the simplest of terms. In the same way the fraction 2/4 is not simplified until it is expressed as 1/2, the radical expressions can also be simplified. A radical expression for square roots is considered simplified when its radicand has no perfect square factors other than 1. To learn more about the process of simplifying watch the video below.
Complete the worksheet attachment below and then check your answers using the solutions attachment. Once you have completed these exercises, click the link to advance to the next lesson.