Solve: (√2 × √4)/(√144 + √16) - Square Root Fraction Simplification

Square Root Operations with Fraction Simplification

Solve the following exercise:

24144+16= \frac{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{4}}{\sqrt{144}+\sqrt{16}}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following problem
00:03 Break down 4 into 2 squared
00:10 Break down 144 into 12 squared
00:14 Break down 16 into 4 squared
00:17 The square root of any number (A) squared cancels out the square
00:23 Apply this formula to our exercise
00:51 Break down 16 into factors of 2 and 8
00:58 Reduce wherever possible
01:02 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:

24144+16= \frac{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{4}}{\sqrt{144}+\sqrt{16}}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, let's follow these detailed steps:

The given expression is:
24144+16 \frac{\sqrt{2}\cdot\sqrt{4}}{\sqrt{144}+\sqrt{16}}

Step 1: Simplify the numerator.

In the numerator, we have 24\sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{4}. Using the property of square roots, ab=ab\sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{a \cdot b}, we can write:

  • 24=24=8\sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt{4} = \sqrt{2 \cdot 4} = \sqrt{8}

We can simplify 8\sqrt{8} further:

  • 8=42=42=22\sqrt{8} = \sqrt{4 \cdot 2} = \sqrt{4} \cdot \sqrt{2} = 2\sqrt{2}

Step 2: Simplify the denominator.

In the denominator, we have 144+16\sqrt{144} + \sqrt{16}. Let's compute each square root:

  • 144=12\sqrt{144} = 12 because 122=14412^2 = 144
  • 16=4\sqrt{16} = 4 because 42=164^2 = 16

Thus, the denominator becomes:

  • 12+4=1612 + 4 = 16

Step 3: Form the fraction and simplify it.

Replacing the simplified numerator and denominator, the expression becomes:

  • 2216\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{16}

Simplifying the fraction, divide both terms in the fraction by 2:

  • 2216=28\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{16} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{8}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is:

28 \frac{\sqrt{2}}{8}

3

Final Answer

28 \frac{\sqrt{2}}{8}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Product Rule: Multiply square roots using √a × √b = √(a×b)
  • Perfect Squares: Simplify √144 = 12 and √16 = 4 directly
  • Check: Verify numerator 2√2 ÷ denominator 16 = √2/8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding square roots in denominator incorrectly
    Don't calculate √144 + √16 as √(144 + 16) = √160! This treats addition like multiplication and gives a wrong denominator. Always find each square root first: √144 = 12, √16 = 4, then add: 12 + 4 = 16.

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

Can I combine the square roots in the numerator before simplifying?

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Yes! Use the product rule: 2×4=2×4=8 \sqrt{2} \times \sqrt{4} = \sqrt{2 \times 4} = \sqrt{8} . Then simplify 8=4×2=22 \sqrt{8} = \sqrt{4 \times 2} = 2\sqrt{2} .

Why can't I add the square roots in the denominator the same way?

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Addition and multiplication follow different rules! You can multiply square roots: a×b=a×b \sqrt{a} \times \sqrt{b} = \sqrt{a \times b} , but addition doesn't work this way. Always calculate each square root separately first.

How do I know if √144 and √16 are perfect squares?

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Ask yourself: what number times itself gives this result? For √144: 12 × 12 = 144, so √144 = 12. For √16: 4 × 4 = 16, so √16 = 4.

Can I simplify the final fraction √2/8 any further?

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No, this is already in simplest form. Since √2 is irrational and 8 has no square root factors in common with √2, the fraction cannot be reduced further.

What if I got 2√2/16 as my answer - is that wrong?

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That's correct but not fully simplified! You can reduce this fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by 2: 2216=28 \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{16} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{8} .

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