High School Math : Radicals

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Square Roots

Simplify the expression. Find the positive solution only.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When working in square roots, each component can be treated separately.

Now, we can simplify each term.

Combine the simplified terms to find the answer. Anything outside of the square root is combined, while anything under the root is combined under the root.

Example Question #1 : Radicals

Convert the radical to exponential notation.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Remember that any term outside the radical will be in the denominator of the exponent.

Since does not have any roots, we are simply raising it to the one-fourth power.

Example Question #2 : Radicals

What is the value of ?

Possible Answers:

27

243

3

2.41

9

Correct answer:

243

Explanation:

An exponent written as a fraction can be rewritten using roots.   can be reqritten as .  The bottom number on the fraction becomes the root, and the top becomes the exponent you raise the number to. is the same as . This will give us the answer of 243.

Example Question #1 : Expressing Radicals As Exponents

Express the following radical in rational (exponential) form:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert the radical to exponent form, begin by converting the integer:

 

Now, divide each exponent by  to clear the square root:

Finally, simplify the exponents:

Example Question #1 : Understanding Radicals

Express the following radical in rational (exponential) form:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert the radical to exponent form, begin by converting the integer:

Now, divide each exponent by  to cancel the radical:

Finally, simplify the exponents:

 

Example Question #4 : Understanding Radicals

Which fraction is equivalent to ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the compliment of the denominator:

Simplify the expression:

Example Question #1 : Understanding Radicals

Simplify the following radical. Express in rational (exponential) form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the compliment of the denominator:

Simplify the expression:

Example Question #5 : Expressing Radicals As Exponents

Choose the fraction equivalent to .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the compliment of the denominator:

 

Simplify the expression:

Example Question #5 : Understanding Radicals

Simplify the following radical. Express in rational (exponential) form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Multiply the numerator and denominator to the exponent:

Simplify the expression by combining like terms:

Example Question #3 : Expressing Radicals As Exponents

Express the following radical in rational (exponential) form:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To convert the radical to exponent form, begin by converting the integer:

Now, divide each exponent by  to remove the radical:

Finally, simplify the exponents:

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