Square Roots

Basic Concepts
. When a number is multiplied by itself, the resulting product is a pefiect square. (=l
. Therefore, that number is the square root ol the perfect square. 22=!,
. The symbolfor square root, J, called a radical sign, denoteslhe principalor 32 = g
nonnegative square root. (Although a negative number multiplied by itself also 42=16
results in a positive perfect square, principal square roots are nonnegative by 52 =25
definition.) 62=36
. The expression under the radical sign is called the radicand. 72 =49
. Therefor", JB = 5,{4 = 2,{00 = l0 8? =64
92=81
. The square root of a negative number is not a real number. No number squared 102 = 100
equals a negative product. Example: has no real number solution' 112 = 121
'/-25
'JE 122 = 144
However, = -5, since the negative sign is outside the radical sign.
132 = 169
. Asquare rootmultiplied by itself is equalto the radicand. J4'J4 =2o2= 4 142 = 196
152 = 225

Product Property of Square Roots

{ab = J;Jb
. Therefore , J4.25 = .,/ib0 = l0 and J4JB - 2.5 - l0

Si mplifying Square Roofs

. When the radicand is not a perfect square and does not have a factor that is a perfect square, then it
is in simplest radical form and cannot be computed without a calculator.

. When the radicand is not a perfect square but has a factor that is a perfect square then it can be
simplified by finding the square root of the perfect square factor and leaving the remaining factor as
the radicand.
Exampte: .,f1, = Since 4 is a perfect square, this can be simplified . J4 = 2, therefore
"lr7
the simplest radical form is 216.

. Variables with even exponents are always perfect squares.

Example: J7 =x because x. x = = .x3 because .x' t xt = xu
x' , 'F
To solve, find the two equal powers that add up to the exponent in the radicand.

. Variables with odd exponents are not perfect squares, but can be easily simplified.
Exampte:
^[7 =,[7 Ji =
. *Ji , ,tr" = J"' 'Ji = *'"li
lf the exponent in the radicand is odd, then subtract 1 from it. Simplify the perfect square factor and
leave the remaining variable factor as the radicand.

Thank you to the Academic Learning Centers at Union County College

www.ucc.edu
 Square Roots

Quotient Property of Square Roofs and Rationalizing the Denominator

=$3*o
^!b
.- L^a,tp,o
EXamOle' -l-
/ioo__E
Jroo lo <
Examole:
E^6"6
' -l-v+= -= =
Note that J5 cannot

I 4
= - .J+ - 2
be simplified

. Simplified radicals do not contain radicals in the denominator. ln order to simplify, use a
process called rationalizing the denominafo4 whereby the numerator and denominator are both
multiplied by the radical denominator in order to eliminate il. Remember that a square root multiplied
by itself is equal to the radicand.
2
Example:
F To simplifu, rationalize the denomin
^tort JsJs=+s
].+
J To rationalize a denominator with two terms, multiply by the coniugate
Example:
4+fr by changing the sign of the second term. Conjugates multiply as the
difference of 2 squares, with the middle term dropping out.

4-
a-=
Ji 3(4 - J-ll) _ 3(4-Jl) _ 3(4-Jlr)
++Ji 4-Jtl rc-4.,n++Jtt-tt 16-11 5

Ru/es for working with square roots when adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing
r Simplify the square roots.
. Perform the indicated operations.
o Simplify the final answer.

Adding & Subtracting; Like square roots can be combined.

. J4+Jg =2+3=5
. ^hr+"6 = J-+.9 +rF = zJi +Ji =3Jj
. 2Jt-"6=J5
. J2o-^6 =J4.5-G -2.,f5-.6=.6
Multiplying & Dividing.' Use the product and quotient rules as outlined earlier. Unlike square roots can be
multiplied and divided. Simplify first, then perform the multiplication or division, simplify the answer.

e JGJ:o =4.6=24 , JeJ-u=-,f144--12 , JjJi =fi

Exampte.r'

. m = J-tz
r:== J4.3
E---= ^ r: J48 JC; 4Jj a
=zJi 15- =:fr =ff
Exampte"
ilf =

Thank you to the Academic Learning Centers at Union County College

www.ucc.edu