Question

In a paragraph, describe how to simplify each expression.
16 1/2
Square root 100

Answer 1

16 1/2....turn it into an improper fraction. To do this, take the whole number (16) and multiply it by the denominator (2) giving you 32. Then add the 32 to the numerator (1) giving you 33. Then put the 33 over the original denominator (2). So now you have 33/2. This is not really simplified, we just changed it from a mixed number to an improper fraction. 16 1/2 cannot be simplified, but its form can be changed.

square root of 100...One way to simplify the square root of something is by factoring and then taking different square roots. Square root of 100 = square root of 25 and the square root of 4. This gives you 5 (sq rt of 25) x 2(sq rt of 4), which equals 10. So the square root of 100 = 10. You can then check it by multiplying 10 x 10 which equals 100.