Multiply Square Roots: Solving √4 × √2 × √2 Step-by-Step

Square Root Multiplication with Exponent Laws

Solve the following exercise:

422= \sqrt{4}\cdot\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{2}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following expression
00:03 The root of a number (A) multiplied by the root of another number (B)
00:07 Equals the root of their product (A times B)
00:11 Apply this formula to our exercise, and convert to a single root
00:14 Calculate the products
00:19 Break down 16 into 4 squared
00:24 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:

422= \sqrt{4}\cdot\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{2}=

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 a product in parentheses (in reverse direction):

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

Begin by converting the square roots to exponents using the law of exponents mentioned in a':

422412212212= \sqrt{4}\cdot\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{2} \\ \downarrow\\ 4^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot2^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot2^{\frac{1}{2}}=

Due to the fact that we have a multiplication of three terms with identical exponents, we are able to apply the law of exponents mentioned in b' (which also applies to multiplying several terms in parentheses) Combine them together in a multiplication operation within parentheses that are also raised to the same exponent:

412212212=(422)12=1612=16=4 4^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot2^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot2^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ (4\cdot2\cdot2)^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 16^{\frac{1}{2}}=\\ \sqrt{16}=\\ \boxed{4}

In the final steps, we first performed the multiplication within the parentheses, we then once again used the definition of root as an exponent mentioned in a' (in reverse direction) to return to root notation, and in the final stage, we calculated the known square root of 16.

Therefore, we can identify that the correct answer is answer c.

3

Final Answer

4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert square roots to fractional exponents for easier calculation
  • Technique: Use xnyn=(xy)n x^n \cdot y^n = (x \cdot y)^n to combine terms
  • Check: Verify 16=4 \sqrt{16} = 4 by calculating 42=16 4^2 = 16

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Calculating each square root separately first
    Don't calculate √4 = 2, then 2 × √2 × √2 = wrong approach! This makes the problem harder and often leads to calculation errors. Always combine under one radical first using exponent laws.

Practice Quiz

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Choose the largest value

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just solve √4 × √2 × √2 by calculating each root separately?

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You can do it that way, but it's more error-prone! Converting to exponents and using the multiplication law makes the calculation cleaner and helps you avoid decimal approximations.

What does the fractional exponent 1/2 actually mean?

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The exponent 12 \frac{1}{2} means square root! So a12=a a^{\frac{1}{2}} = \sqrt{a} . This is just another way to write the same thing.

How do I know when I can combine terms under one exponent?

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You can combine when all terms have the same exponent! If you see anbncn a^n \cdot b^n \cdot c^n , you can write it as (abc)n (a \cdot b \cdot c)^n .

What if the numbers under the square roots are different?

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No problem! The same rule applies. For example: 35=35=15 \sqrt{3} \cdot \sqrt{5} = \sqrt{3 \cdot 5} = \sqrt{15} . Just multiply the numbers inside the radicals.

Why is this method better than using a calculator?

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This method gives you the exact answer without rounding errors! Plus, understanding the underlying math helps you solve more complex problems later.

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