Simplify the Square Root Expression: √(25x²)

Square Root Simplification with Perfect Squares

Solve the following exercise:

25x2= \sqrt{25x^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 square root of a number (A) multiplied by the square root of another number (B)
00:06 Equals the square root of their product (A times B)
00:10 Apply this formula to our exercise, and convert from root 1 to two
00:16 The square root of any number(A) squared, cancels out the square
00:20 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:24 Break down 25 to 5 squared
00:29 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:

25x2= \sqrt{25x^2}=

2

Step-by-step solution

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

a. Definition of root as an exponent:

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

b. Law of exponents for an exponent applied to terms in parentheses:

(ab)n=anbn (a\cdot b)^n=a^n\cdot b^n

c. Law of exponents for an exponent raised to an exponent:

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n}

Begin by converting the fourth root to an exponent using the law of exponents mentioned in a.:

25x2=(25x2)12= \sqrt{25x^2}= \\ \downarrow\\ (25x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}=

Let's proceed by using the law of exponents mentioned in b. and apply the exponent to each factor in the parentheses:

(25x2)12=2512(x2)12 (25x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ 25^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}}

We'll continue, using the law of exponents mentioned in c. and perform the exponent applied to the term with an exponent in parentheses (the second factor in the multiplication):

2512(x2)12=2512x212=2512x1=25x=5x 25^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}} = \\ 25^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{2\cdot\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 25^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{1}=\\ \sqrt{25}\cdot x=\\ \boxed{5x}

In the final steps, we first converted the power of one-half applied to the first factor in the multiplication back to the fourth root form, again, according to the definition of root as an exponent mentioned in a. (in the reverse direction) and then calculated the known fourth root of 25.

Therefore, the correct answer is answer a.

3

Final Answer

5x 5x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Use a2=a \sqrt{a^2} = |a| for perfect square expressions
  • Technique: Factor 25x2=25x2=5x \sqrt{25x^2} = \sqrt{25} \cdot \sqrt{x^2} = 5|x|
  • Check: Verify (5x)2=25x2 (5x)^2 = 25x^2 matches original expression ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring the absolute value requirement
    Don't write √(x²) = x directly = wrong for negative values! When x is negative, √(x²) gives the positive value, not x itself. Always remember √(x²) = |x| to handle both positive and negative cases correctly.

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 does √(25x²) equal 5x and not 5x²?

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The square root only affects the exponents, not the coefficients! Think of it as 25x2=5x=5x \sqrt{25} \cdot \sqrt{x^2} = 5 \cdot x = 5x . The x² becomes just x because we're taking the square root.

Do I always need absolute value signs in my answer?

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In basic algebra problems like this one, we typically assume variables represent positive values. So √(x²) = x is acceptable. However, technically √(x²) = |x| is more mathematically complete.

How do I know 25 is a perfect square?

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Perfect squares are numbers you get by squaring integers: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36... Since 5² = 25, we know √25 = 5. Practice memorizing perfect squares up to 144!

Can I simplify √(25x²) in a different way?

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Yes! You can use exponent rules: 25x2=(25x2)1/2=251/2(x2)1/2=5x=5x \sqrt{25x^2} = (25x^2)^{1/2} = 25^{1/2} \cdot (x^2)^{1/2} = 5 \cdot x = 5x . Both methods give the same answer.

What if the number under the square root isn't a perfect square?

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Then you'd need to factor out any perfect square factors. For example, √(50x²) = √(25 ⋅ 2 ⋅ x²) = 5x√2. Always look for perfect square factors first!

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