how do you simplify a radical expression? like the square root of 27 or 150.

Question

anonymous · Answer

√27

 since 27 = 9 * 3:

 √(9 * 3)

 And now turn the square root of a product into the product of square roots:

 √9 * √3

 Now I can solve for √9:

 3 √3

anonymous · Answer

so if i simplified $$\sqrt{48}$$ it would be $$2\sqrt{12}$$ ?

anonymous · Answer

Almost.  You take the radical, factor it and then take the sqrt of the factors: 
√48
 = √(16×3)
 = √16√3
 = 4√3

mathstudent55 · Answer

In each case, you need to factor out the largest perfect-square factor there is.
It is true that 48 = 4 * 12, but it is also 16 * 3.

anonymous · Answer

ohh i see. how would i simplify this expression? $$\sqrt{16/9}$$

dape · Answer

You have that $16=4^2$ and $9=3^2$, put that in and pull out the squares.

anonymous · Answer

Sqrt (16/9)= sqrt(16)/sqrt(9)= 4/3

( I have a feeling I'm doing your homework for you :P )

anonymous · Answer

thanks. sorry I really don't know what i'm doing >.<

anonymous · Answer

Don't worry about it :D We're all here because we need some help. If you need anything else don't be afraid to ask around.