Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Square Roots
A square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For example, the square root of 36 is 6, since 6 × 6 = 36. Understanding square roots is essential for simplifying expressions involving radical signs.
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Properties of Exponents
The properties of exponents govern how to manipulate expressions involving powers. For instance, the property that states x^(m/n) = n√(x^m) helps in simplifying expressions with variables raised to fractional powers. This is particularly useful when dealing with terms like x⁴ under a square root.
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Simplifying Radicals
Simplifying radicals involves reducing the expression under the square root to its simplest form. This includes factoring out perfect squares from the radicand. For example, √(36x⁴) can be simplified by recognizing that both 36 and x⁴ are perfect squares, leading to a more straightforward expression.
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