Problem

Simplify the Radical Expression x^2y^2 square root of 63x^2y^6

In this problem, you are asked to simplify a mathematical expression that includes a radical, specifically a square root. The expression to be simplified is the product of a variable term, x^2y^2, and the square root of another term, 63x^2y^6. Simplifying a radical expression typically involves breaking down the term inside the radical into its prime factors, if possible, and then simplifying by bringing any factors that are perfect squares out of the radical. This will often also include simplifying any coefficients and like terms both inside and outside of the radical.

x2y263x2y6

Answer

Expert–verified

Solution:

Step:1

Express 63x2y6 as (3xy3)27.

Step:1.1

Extract 9 from 63. x2y29(7)x2y6

Step:1.2

Represent 9 as 32. x2y2327x2y6

Step:1.3

Express y6 as (y3)2. x2y2327x2(y3)2

Step:1.4

Reposition 7. x2y232x2(y3)27

Step:1.5

Represent 32x2(y3)2 as (3xy3)2. x2y2(3xy3)27

Step:2

Extract terms from under the radical. x2y2(3xy37)

Step:3

Apply the commutative property of multiplication. 7x2y2(3xy3)

Step:4

Eliminate non-negative terms from the absolute value. 7x2y23xy3

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Radical Expressions: A radical expression is an expression that includes a square root, cube root, or any other root. Simplifying a radical expression involves rewriting it in a simpler or more explicit form without changing its value.

  2. Factoring: Factoring is the process of breaking down a number or expression into its constituent factors. In this case, 63 is factored into 97, where 9 can be further expressed as 32.

  3. Square Roots and Exponents: The square root of a number is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. For exponents, (am)n=amn. In this problem, y6 is rewritten as (y3)2, which is a property of exponents.

  4. Simplifying Under the Radical: When simplifying expressions under a radical, any perfect square factors can be taken out of the radical, which is what happens when (3xy3)2 is moved outside of the square root as 3xy3.

  5. Absolute Value: The absolute value of a number is its non-negative value. Since x and y are not specified as positive or negative, we use absolute value bars to indicate that the expression outside the radical should be non-negative. However, if it is known that the variables represent non-negative quantities, the absolute value bars can be omitted.

  6. Commutative Property of Multiplication: This property states that the order of multiplication does not affect the product. In other words, ab=ba. This property is used to rearrange the terms for the final simplified form.

By understanding these concepts, one can simplify radical expressions and manipulate algebraic expressions effectively.

link_gpt