RADICALS
Review of Introductory Mathematics
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction of radicals may be accomplished with radicals showing the same
radicand and the same index. Add or subtract similar radicals using the distributive law.
Examples:
3 ab
2 ab
(3
2) ab
5 ab
7
5
3
5
(7
3)
5
4
5
Multiplication
Multiplication of radicals having the same index may be accomplished by applying the rule used
in simplification:
n
ab
n
a
n
b
Examples:
3
3x4
3
9x2
3
27x6
3x2
xy
3x
3x2y
x 3y
Division
Division of radicals having the same index, but not necessarily the same radicand, may be
performed by using the following rule and simplifying.
Examples:
MA-01
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