Simplifying Radicals: (16x)^1/2
Radicals can be intimidating, but with a few simple steps, we can simplify them and make them easier to work with. In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the radical expression (16x)^1/2
.
Step 1: Break Down the Expression
To simplify (16x)^1/2
, we need to break down the expression into its individual components. We have a square root symbol √
with an exponent of 1/2
, which means we need to find the square root of 16x
.
Step 2: Find the Square Root of 16
The square root of 16
is 4
, since 4^2 = 16
.
Step 3: Simplify the Expression
Now, we can rewrite the expression as:
(16x)^1/2 = (√16) × (√x)
Substituting 4
for √16
, we get:
(16x)^1/2 = 4√x
And that's it! We've simplified the radical expression (16x)^1/2
to 4√x
.
Conclusion
Simplifying radicals can be a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. By breaking down the expression, finding the square root of 16
, and combining the results, we were able to simplify (16x)^1/2
to 4√x
. This simplified form makes it easier to work with the expression in various mathematical operations.