How do you solve radical equations?

Answer 1

Firstly it depends on what root is present. Then you have to equate so that the variable is present at one side and constant at the other side. Like for example:

cube root(x)+50=60

cube root(x)+50-50=60-50

cube root(x)=10

Now cube the whole thing

x=(10)^3

x=1000

Answer 2

You can only subtract (or add) radicals if they are to the same base. In that case, you treat the radical part as you would a letter-variable in an algebraic expression.

So, just as 5x - 3x = 2x you have 5√2 - 3√2 = 2√2.

Sometimes, you may to simplify the radicals to make the bases equal. For example:

3√8 - 4√2 = 6√2 - 4√2 = 2√2

Answer 3

A radical is also known as a 'Square root' of a number. The objective is to get the radical to it's lowest term.

First you'll have to know the basic perfect squares:

1

4(2x2)

9(3x3)

16(4x4)

25(5x5)

36(6x6)

49(7x7)

64(8x8)

81(9x9)

100(10x10)

121(11x11)

144(12x12)

169(13x13)

196(14x14)

After you've acknowledged those you can simplify radicals.

examples:

(Beginner)

√9 = 3

√64 = 8

√81 = 9

(More difficult)

√8 = ?

8 is not a perfect square so you will need to use factors.

√8 = √4 times √2

Then you know that 4 is a perfect square and simplifies to 2.

Your answer will be 2 √2.