Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rationalizing the Denominator
Rationalizing the denominator involves eliminating any irrational numbers from the denominator of a fraction. This is typically achieved by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by a suitable expression that will result in a rational number in the denominator. For example, if the denominator contains a square root, multiplying by the same square root can help achieve this.
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Rationalizing Denominators
Simplifying Radicals
Simplifying radicals refers to the process of reducing a square root or other root to its simplest form. This involves factoring out perfect squares from under the radical sign and rewriting the expression. For instance, √12 can be simplified to 2√3, as 12 = 4 × 3, and 4 is a perfect square.
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Adding & Subtracting Unlike Radicals by Simplifying
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms is a fundamental algebraic skill that involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In the context of rational expressions, this means simplifying the numerator or denominator by merging terms that share the same radical or numerical component, which can lead to a more concise expression.
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