Solve Nested Square Roots: √√4 × √√2 Multiplication Problem

Nested Radical Simplification with Exponent Properties

Complete the following exercise:

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

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following problem
00:04 Break down 4 to 2 squared
00:10 The root cancels the square
00:23 A "regular" root is of the order 2
00:27 When there is a root of the order (C) to root (B)
00:31 The result equals the root of the orders' product
00:34 We'll apply this formula to our exercise
00:45 When we have a root of the order (C) on number (A) to the power of (B)
00:50 The result equals number (A) to the power of (B divided by C)
00:53 Apply this formula to our exercise
01:00 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the following exercise:

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

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 42 \sqrt{\sqrt{4}}\cdot\sqrt{\sqrt{2}} , we will use properties of exponents and roots.

First, let's simplify each part:

  • 4\sqrt{\sqrt{4}}:

We know 4=2\sqrt{4} = 2. Therefore, 4\sqrt{\sqrt{4}} can be rewritten as 2\sqrt{2}, because 4=2\sqrt{4} = 2 and further taking square root gives 21/22^{1/2}.

  • 2\sqrt{\sqrt{2}}:

This expression is equivalent to (21/2)1/2(2^{1/2})^{1/2}. Using the property (am)n=amn(a^{m})^{n} = a^{m \cdot n}, we have:

(21/2)1/2=21/4(2^{1/2})^{1/2} = 2^{1/4}.

Now, the original expression simplifies to:

221/4\sqrt{2} \cdot 2^{1/4}

This product is expressed as:

21/221/42^{1/2} \cdot 2^{1/4}. When multiplying like bases, add the exponents:

21/2+1/4=22/4+1/4=23/42^{1/2 + 1/4} = 2^{2/4 + 1/4} = 2^{3/4}

Thus, the final expression is:

21/422^{1/4}\sqrt{2}.

Comparing this to the choices provided, the correct answer is:

21/422^{1/4}\sqrt{2} (Choice 3).

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 2142\boxed{2^{\frac{1}{4}}\sqrt{2}}.

3

Final Answer

2142 2^{\frac{1}{4}}\sqrt{2}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Nested Radicals: Work from inside out using a=a1/4 \sqrt{\sqrt{a}} = a^{1/4}
  • Technique: 4=2=21/2 \sqrt{\sqrt{4}} = \sqrt{2} = 2^{1/2} and 2=21/4 \sqrt{\sqrt{2}} = 2^{1/4}
  • Check: Convert final answer to decimal form: 21/421.68 2^{1/4}\sqrt{2} \approx 1.68

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Incorrectly simplifying nested radicals all at once
    Don't try to simplify 4 \sqrt{\sqrt{4}} as 41/4=44 4^{1/4} = \sqrt[4]{4} = wrong approach! This skips the crucial inner simplification step. Always simplify the innermost radical first: 4=2 \sqrt{4} = 2 , then 2 \sqrt{2} .

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 can't I just write √√4 as 4^(1/4)?

+

You need to simplify step by step! First, 4=2 \sqrt{4} = 2 , then 2=21/2 \sqrt{2} = 2^{1/2} . If you jump straight to 41/4 4^{1/4} , you miss the simplification of the inner radical.

How do I multiply expressions with different exponents of 2?

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Use the rule same base, add exponents: 21/221/4=21/2+1/4=23/4 2^{1/2} \cdot 2^{1/4} = 2^{1/2 + 1/4} = 2^{3/4} . But the answer format 21/42 2^{1/4}\sqrt{2} shows this multiplication before combining!

Why is the answer 2^(1/4)√2 instead of 2^(3/4)?

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Both are mathematically equal! The answer format 21/42 2^{1/4}\sqrt{2} shows the factored form that matches the original problem structure, making it easier to see the work.

What's the difference between √√2 and (√2)^(1/2)?

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They're the same thing! 2=(2)1/2=(21/2)1/2=21/4 \sqrt{\sqrt{2}} = (\sqrt{2})^{1/2} = (2^{1/2})^{1/2} = 2^{1/4} using the power rule (am)n=amn (a^m)^n = a^{mn} .

How can I check if my answer is correct?

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Convert to decimal approximation: 21/41.189 2^{1/4} \approx 1.189 and 21.414 \sqrt{2} \approx 1.414 , so 21/421.68 2^{1/4}\sqrt{2} \approx 1.68 . Also verify: 221/4=23/41.68 \sqrt{2} \cdot 2^{1/4} = 2^{3/4} \approx 1.68

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