7.

2 Multiplying and
Simplifying
Objective: Simplifying radicals by factoring.
Example 1: Multiply
3 3 4 4
a.) 5 ∙ 6 b.) 4∙ 7 c.) 8∙ 9

6 𝑦 5 5
d.) ∙ e.) 15𝑢2 ∙ 2𝑢
𝑥 5
Multiply
3 3
f.) 𝑦 − 𝑏 𝑦 + 𝑏 g.) 0.3𝑥 0.2𝑥

In order to simplify a root, factor each radicand to

where it forms a factor that is in the same root
column as the index. If it is a square root, get the
factors from the perfect square column. If it is a
cube root, get the factors from the perfect cube
column, and so-on. Then reduce the perfect roots
and keep all other numbers in the radical sign.
Example 2: Simplify by factoring.
3 4
a.) 20 b.) 81 c.) 64

Hint: You want to find the biggest root. Try

dividing the expression by 2,3,4,5, and so-on to
find the biggest perfect root.
If there is a variable with an exponent bigger
than the index, divide the exponent by the index.
Otherwise, leave it in the radical symbol.
Example 3: Simplify by factoring.
3 4
a.) 27𝑑12 b.) 40𝑔14 c.) 243𝑥 8 𝑦 4

If the exponent does not divide by the index evenly,

you must divide them anyway, put the answer as an
exponent with the variable outside of a root, then
write the remainder as an exponent of the same
variable inside the root.
 𝑛
Remember that 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎 , if n is even.
Example 4: Simplify by factoring
3 3
a.) 54𝑥 8 b.) 108𝑚5

4 5
c.) 162𝑐 4 𝑑6 d.) 𝑥+𝑦 6
 4 5
e.) 𝑧−𝑤

Example 5: Multiply and simplify by factoring.

3 3
a.) 5 10 b.) 9 30

3 3
c.) 2𝑥 3 𝑦 12𝑥𝑦 d.) 𝑦 4 16𝑦 5
 4 54 3
e.) ℎ−5 ℎ−5
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is responsible for
monitoring earthquakes that could potentially cause tsunamis in
the Pacific Ocean. Through measuring the water level and
calculating the speed of the tsunami, scientists can predict the
arrival time of tsunamis. The speed (in meters per second) at
which the tsunami moves is determined by the depth (in meters)
of the ocean:

𝑠= 𝑔∙𝑑 𝑔 = 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 9.8

Below are different ocean depths. Find the speed of each tsunami
at each depth.

20 meters 132 meters 1000 meters