Simplify Square Root Expression: √(144x^8/16x^2)

Radical Expressions with Variable Exponents

Solve the following exercise:

144x816x2= \sqrt{\frac{144x^8}{16x^2}}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Simplify the following problem
00:03 When there's a root of a fraction (A divided by B)
00:06 We can write it as the root of the numerator (A) divided by root of the denominator (B)
00:09 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:22 When we have a root of a multiplication (A times B)
00:26 We can divide it into the root of (A) multiplied by the root of (B)
00:29 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:41 Factorize 144 to 12 squared
00:47 Factorize X to the 8th power to X to the 4th power squared
00:50 Factorize 16 to 4 squared
01:02 The root of any number (A) squared cancels out the square
01:05 Apply this formula to our exercise, and cancel out the squares
01:28 Factorize 12 into factors of 3 and 4
01:33 Factorize X to the 4th power into factors X cubed and X
01:39 Simplify wherever possible
01:48 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:

144x816x2= \sqrt{\frac{144x^8}{16x^2}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the fraction under the square root.
  • Step 2: Apply the square root property to the simplified result.
  • Step 3: Simplify the final expression.

Now, let’s work through each step:

Step 1: Simplify the fraction 144x816x2\frac{144x^8}{16x^2}.

Divide the coefficients: 14416=9\frac{144}{16} = 9.

Subtract the exponents of xx: x82=x6x^{8-2} = x^6.

Thus, the simplified fraction is 9x69x^6.

Step 2: Apply the square root property on 9x69x^6.

The square root of a product is the product of the square roots, so we have:

9x6=9x6\sqrt{9x^6} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{x^6}.

Step 3: Simplify the result.

9=3\sqrt{9} = 3.

x6=x62=x3\sqrt{x^6} = x^{\frac{6}{2}} = x^3.

Therefore, the expression simplifies to 3x33x^3.

Thus, the solution to the problem is 3x3 3x^3 .

3

Final Answer

3x3 3x^3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Fraction Rule: Simplify inside the radical by dividing coefficients and subtracting exponents
  • Technique: Divide 144÷16=9 and x^8÷x^2=x^6 to get 9x6 9x^6
  • Check: Verify 9x6=3x3 \sqrt{9x^6} = 3x^3 by squaring: (3x3)2=9x6 (3x^3)^2 = 9x^6

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Applying square root before simplifying the fraction
    Don't take 144 \sqrt{144} and 16 \sqrt{16} separately first = 12x84x2 \frac{12\sqrt{x^8}}{4\sqrt{x^2}} which is messy! This creates unnecessary complexity with nested radicals. Always simplify the fraction completely first, then apply the square root.

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 do I subtract the exponents instead of dividing them?

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When dividing powers with the same base, you subtract the exponents: x8÷x2=x82=x6 x^8 ÷ x^2 = x^{8-2} = x^6 . This is the quotient rule for exponents!

How do I know when I can take the square root of a variable with an even exponent?

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When the exponent is even (like 6), you can take the square root: x6=x3 \sqrt{x^6} = x^3 . Just divide the exponent by 2!

What if the fraction doesn't simplify nicely?

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Always check if you can reduce the fraction first! Look for common factors in the coefficients (144 and 16 both divide by 16) and use exponent rules for variables.

Can I simplify the square root of each part separately?

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Yes! 9x6=9x6=3x3=3x3 \sqrt{9x^6} = \sqrt{9} \cdot \sqrt{x^6} = 3 \cdot x^3 = 3x^3 . The square root of a product equals the product of square roots.

How do I check my final answer?

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Square your answer and see if you get back to the simplified fraction: (3x3)2=9x6 (3x^3)^2 = 9x^6 . This should match what's under the original square root!

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