Multiply Square Roots: Calculate √5 × √10 Step-by-Step

Square Root Multiplication with Radical Simplification

Solve the following exercise:

510= \sqrt{5}\cdot\sqrt{10}=

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following problem
00:03 The square root of a number (A) multiplied by the square root of another number (B)
00:07 equals the square root of their product (A times B)
00:11 Apply this formula to our exercise and proceed to calculate the product
00:15 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

510= \sqrt{5}\cdot\sqrt{10}=

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the given expression, apply two laws of exponents:

a. The definition of root as an exponent:

an=a1n \sqrt[n]{a}=a^{\frac{1}{n}}

b. The law of exponents for an exponent applied to terms in parentheses (in reverse direction):

xnyn=(xy)n x^n\cdot y^n =(x\cdot y)^n

Let's start by converting the square roots to exponents using the law of exponents mentioned in a':

510=5121012= \sqrt{5}\cdot\sqrt{10}= \\ \downarrow\\ 5^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot10^{\frac{1}{2}}=

Due to the fact that there is multiplication between two terms with identical exponents, we are able to apply the law of exponents mentioned in b' and combine them together inside of parentheses ,which are raised to the same exponent:

5121012=(510)12=5012=50 5^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot10^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ (5\cdot10)^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 50^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ \boxed{\sqrt{50}}

In the final steps, we performed the multiplication within the parentheses and again used the definition of root as an exponent mentioned in a' (in reverse direction) to return to root notation.

Therefore, the correct answer is answer c.

3

Final Answer

50 \sqrt{50}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Property: ab=ab \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{a \cdot b} for positive values
  • Technique: Convert to exponents: 510=51/2101/2=(510)1/2 \sqrt{5} \cdot \sqrt{10} = 5^{1/2} \cdot 10^{1/2} = (5 \cdot 10)^{1/2}
  • Check: Verify 50 \sqrt{50} by calculating (5)(10)(2.24)(3.16)7.07 (\sqrt{5})(\sqrt{10}) \approx (2.24)(3.16) \approx 7.07 and 507.07 \sqrt{50} \approx 7.07

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding the numbers under the radicals instead of multiplying
    Don't write 510=5+10=15 \sqrt{5} \cdot \sqrt{10} = \sqrt{5 + 10} = \sqrt{15} ! This confuses addition with multiplication under radicals and gives the wrong answer. Always multiply the radicands: 510=5×10=50 \sqrt{5} \cdot \sqrt{10} = \sqrt{5 \times 10} = \sqrt{50} .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( \sqrt{\frac{2}{4}}= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just multiply 5 × 10 = 50 without the square root?

+

Because 5 \sqrt{5} and 10 \sqrt{10} are not equal to 5 and 10! The square root symbol means you're finding what number times itself equals the radicand. When multiplying square roots, you get 50 \sqrt{50} , not 50.

Can I simplify √50 further?

+

Yes! Since 50=25×2 50 = 25 \times 2 and 25 is a perfect square, you can write 50=25×2=252=52 \sqrt{50} = \sqrt{25 \times 2} = \sqrt{25} \cdot \sqrt{2} = 5\sqrt{2} .

Does the order matter when multiplying square roots?

+

No, the order doesn't matter! Multiplication is commutative, so 510=105=50 \sqrt{5} \cdot \sqrt{10} = \sqrt{10} \cdot \sqrt{5} = \sqrt{50} . You'll always get the same result.

What if I have three or more square roots to multiply?

+

The same rule applies! abc=abc \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} \cdot \sqrt{c} = \sqrt{a \cdot b \cdot c} . For example, 236=236=36=6 \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{3} \cdot \sqrt{6} = \sqrt{2 \cdot 3 \cdot 6} = \sqrt{36} = 6 .

How do I know when my answer should be left as a square root?

+

Leave your answer as a square root (like 50 \sqrt{50} ) unless the problem asks for a decimal approximation or you can simplify it to a whole number. Square root form is usually the most exact way to express the answer.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Rules of Roots questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations