Square Roots
Basic Concepts
• When a number is multiplied by itself, the resulting product is a perfect square. 12 = 1
• Therefore, that number is the square root of the perfect square. 22 = 4
• The symbol for square root, √, called a radical sign, denotes the principal or 32 = 9
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
• Therefore: 25 = 5, 4 = 2, 100 = 10 82 = 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: √-25 has no real number solution. 112 = 121
However, − 25 = −5 , since the negative sign is outside the radical sign. 122 = 144
132 = 169
• A square root multiplied by itself is equal to the radicand. 4 • 4 = 2•2 = 4 142 = 196
152 = 225
Product Property of Square Roots
ab = a b
• Therefore , 4 • 25 = 100 = 10 and 4 25 = 2 • 5 = 10
Simplifying Square Roots
• 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.
Example: 12 = 3 • 4 Since 4 is a perfect square, this can be simplified. 4 = 2 , therefore
the simplest radical form is 2 3 .
• Variables with even exponents are always perfect squares.
Example: x = x because x • x = x , x = x because x • x = x
2 2 6 3 3 3 6
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.
Example: x = x • x = x x x = x • x=x x
3 2 11 10 5
,
If 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.
Compliments of the Academic Learning Centers at Union County College.
Visit our website at [Link]/studentservices/alc for more information.
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Square Roots
Quotient Property of Square Roots and Rationalizing the Denominator
a a
= ,b ≠ 0
b b
100 100 10 5 5 5 Note that 5 cannot
• Example: = = =5 Example: = = be simplified
4 4 2 4 4 2
• Simplified radicals do not contain radicals in the denominator. In order to simplify, use a
process called rationalizing the denominator, whereby the numerator and denominator are both
multiplied by the radical denominator in order to eliminate it. Remember that a square root multiplied
by itself is equal to the radicand.
2 2 5 2 5
Example: To simplify, rationalize the denominator: • =
5 5 5 5
3 To rationalize a denominator with two terms, multiply by the conjugate
Example: by changing the sign of the second term. Conjugates multiply as the
4 + 11 difference of 2 squares, with the middle term dropping out.
3 4 − 11 3(4 − 11) 3(4 − 11) 3(4 − 11)
• = = =
4 + 11 4 − 11 16 − 4 11 + 4 11 − 11 16 − 11 5
Rules for working with square roots when adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing
• Simplify the square roots.
• Perform the indicated operations.
• Simplify the final answer.
Adding & Subtracting: Like square roots can be combined.
• 4 + 9 = 2+3 = 5
• 12 + 3 = 4 • 3 + 3 = 2 3 + 3 = 3 3
• 2 5− 5 = 5
• 20 − 5 = 4 • 5 − 5 = 2 5 − 5 = 5
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.
• Examples: 16 36 = 4 • 6 = 24 , 6 24 = 144 = 12 , 3 5 = 15
72 48 16 • 3 4 3
• Examples: = 12 = 4 • 3 = 2 3 , = = =4
6 3 3 3
Compliments of the Academic Learning Centers at Union County College.
Visit our website at [Link]/studentservices/alc for more information.
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