Simplify the Square Root: √(25x⁸/225x⁴) Step-by-Step

Radical Simplification with Fraction Variables

Solve the following exercise:

25x8225x4= \sqrt{\frac{25x^8}{225x^4}}=

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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 is a root of a fraction (A divided by B)
00:06 It can be written as the root of the numerator (A) divided by the root of the denominator (B)
00:11 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:23 When we have a root of a multiplication (A times B)
00:26 We can also divide into the root of (A) times root of (B)
00:29 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:39 Break down 25 to 5 squared
00:45 Break down X to the power of 8 to X to the power of 4 squared
00:52 Break down 225 to 15 squared
00:57 Break down X to the power of 4 to X squared squared
01:02 The root of any number (A) squared cancels out the square
01:07 Apply this formula to our exercise, and cancel out the squares
01:28 Break down X to the power of 4 into factors X squared and X squared
01:33 Break down 15 into factors of 5 and 3
01:38 Simplify wherever possible
01:42 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:

25x8225x4= \sqrt{\frac{25x^8}{225x^4}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's solve the problem step by step:

Step 1: Simplify the fraction inside the square root:
25x8225x4 \frac{25x^8}{225x^4}

Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common factors. Notice that 25 25 and 225 225 have a common factor of 25 25 , and x8 x^8 and x4 x^4 have a common factor of x4 x^4 .

The simplification becomes:
25÷25x84225÷25x44=1x491=x49 \frac{25 \div 25 \cdot x^{8-4}}{225 \div 25 \cdot x^{4-4}} = \frac{1 \cdot x^4}{9 \cdot 1} = \frac{x^4}{9}

Step 2: Apply the Quotient Property of Square Roots:
x49=x49 \sqrt{\frac{x^4}{9}} = \frac{\sqrt{x^4}}{\sqrt{9}}

Step 3: Simplify the square roots:
Since x4=x2 \sqrt{x^4} = x^2 (assuming x0 x \geq 0 as square roots imply non-negative results), and 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 ,
x49=x23 \frac{\sqrt{x^4}}{\sqrt{9}} = \frac{x^2}{3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 13x2 \frac{1}{3}x^2 .

3

Final Answer

13x2 \frac{1}{3}x^2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Simplify the fraction before applying the square root
  • Technique: Use 25x8225x4=x49 \frac{25x^8}{225x^4} = \frac{x^4}{9} by dividing common factors
  • Check: (x23)2=x49 \left(\frac{x^2}{3}\right)^2 = \frac{x^4}{9} matches original fraction ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Taking square root of numerator and denominator separately without simplifying first
    Don't compute 25x8 \sqrt{25x^8} over 225x4 \sqrt{225x^4} = 5x415x2 \frac{5x^4}{15x^2} ! This creates unnecessary complexity and potential calculation errors. Always simplify the fraction inside the radical first, then apply the square root property.

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 need to simplify the fraction before taking the square root?

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Simplifying first makes the calculation much easier! Instead of dealing with 25x8 \sqrt{25x^8} and 225x4 \sqrt{225x^4} , you work with the simpler x49 \sqrt{\frac{x^4}{9}} .

How do I find the greatest common factor between 25 and 225?

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Look for the largest number that divides both evenly. Since 225 = 25 × 9, the GCF is 25. This means 25225=19 \frac{25}{225} = \frac{1}{9} .

What about the exponents x⁸ and x⁴?

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Use the quotient rule for exponents: x8x4=x84=x4 \frac{x^8}{x^4} = x^{8-4} = x^4 . Always subtract the bottom exponent from the top exponent.

Why is the answer x²/3 and not 3x²?

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The coefficient comes from 9=3 \sqrt{9} = 3 in the denominator, giving us x23 \frac{x^2}{3} . If 3 were in the numerator, we'd get 3x2 3x^2 instead.

How can I check my answer is correct?

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Square your result! (x23)2=(x2)232=x49 \left(\frac{x^2}{3}\right)^2 = \frac{(x^2)^2}{3^2} = \frac{x^4}{9} , which matches our simplified fraction inside the original square root.

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