Radicals
Treat radicals like you would a variable (like x). Only like radicals can be added or
subtracted.
Example
Rules for addition Subtraction
1. simplify radical to simplest terms
2. Combine like radicals and reduce
Multiplying radicals by a binomial
Again, treat the radical like a variable and multiple each term by the multiplier
Example
FOIL and Radicals
Take each term in the first bracket and multiply it by each term in the 2nd.
Example
Radical as denominators
A radical should never be left as a denominator in a fraction. Multiple the fraction by a
radical to eliminate the fraction.
Example
Notice that if the denominator is a binomial we have to multiple by its conjugate (we
keep the values the same, but change the sign in -between the terms). The product of two
conjugates is always a rational number.
Steps:
1. multiple the radical by a conjugate
2. reduce
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