Solve the Square Root Expression: Simplifying √(100x²)

Radical Expressions with Perfect Square Factors

Solve the following exercise:

100x2= \sqrt{100x^2}=

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's simplify this expression step by step.
00:10 Take the square root of A, and multiply it by the square root of B.
00:15 This equals the square root of the product, A times B.
00:19 Now, let's use this formula to solve our exercise. Break it down into two roots.
00:25 Break down one hundred into ten squared.
00:30 Remember, the square root of A squared cancels out the square.
00:36 Let's use this rule in our exercise.
00:39 And there you have it! That's the solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

100x2= \sqrt{100x^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.:

100x2=(100x2)12= \sqrt{100x^2}= \\ \downarrow\\ (100x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}=

We'll continue, using the law of exponents mentioned in b. and apply the exponent to each factor in the parentheses:

(100x2)12=10012(x2)12 (100x^2)^{\frac{1}{2}}= \\ 100^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}}

We'll continue, once again 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):

10012(x2)12=10012x212=10012x1=100x=10x 100^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot(x^2)^{{\frac{1}{2}}} = \\ 100^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{2\cdot\frac{1}{2}}=\\ 100^{\frac{1}{2}}\cdot x^{1}=\\ \sqrt{100}\cdot x=\\ \boxed{10x}

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 reverse) and then calculated the known fourth root of 100.

Therefore, the correct answer is answer d.

3

Final Answer

10x 10x

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert square root to exponent form using fractional powers
  • Technique: Separate factors: 100x2=100x2 \sqrt{100x^2} = \sqrt{100} \cdot \sqrt{x^2}
  • Check: Substitute back: (10x)2=100x2 (10x)^2 = 100x^2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to take square root of coefficients
    Don't write √100 as 100 = 100x! This ignores the square root operation completely. The square root of 100 is 10, not 100. Always apply the square root to both the coefficient and variable parts separately.

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 remove the square root sign?

+

The square root symbol is an operation that must be performed! Removing it without doing the calculation is like ignoring a multiplication sign. You need to evaluate what's under the radical.

What if x is negative?

+

For x2 \sqrt{x^2} , we always get the absolute value |x|. So technically the complete answer is 10x 10|x| , but in most algebra problems we assume variables are positive unless stated otherwise.

How do I know when to separate the factors?

+

Look for perfect squares under the radical! Numbers like 4, 9, 16, 25, 100 and variables with even exponents like x², y⁴ can be simplified easily when separated.

Can I always split up square roots like this?

+

Yes! The property ab=ab \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a} \cdot \sqrt{b} works for multiplication under radicals. But be careful - this doesn't work for addition: a+ba+b \sqrt{a + b} ≠ \sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b} !

What's the fastest way to solve problems like this?

+

Memorize perfect squares up to 100! Then you can instantly recognize that 100=10 \sqrt{100} = 10 and x2=x \sqrt{x^2} = x (assuming x > 0).

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Rules of Roots questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations