Name ________________________________________ Date __________________ Class __________________

LESSON
Simplifying Radical Expressions
11-2
Reading Strategies: Read a Table

The table shows properties you can use to simplify radical expressions.
To simplify an expression, compare it to the equations in the table.

Rational Exponent Properties Radical Properties

Product of Powers am i an = am+n Product Property n

ab = n a i n
b
of Roots
am
Quotient of Powers = am−n a na
an Quotient Property n =
of Roots b nb
Power of a Power (a m )n = a m i n

Power of a Product (ab )m = a m b m

m
⎛a⎞ am
Power of a Quotient ⎜ ⎟ = m
⎝b⎠ b

Given: Think: Simplify:

3
There are exponents inside and outside parentheses, 1 3 3

(5 ) 1 i
2
4
so use the Power of a Power Property. 52 4
= 58

7 There is a fraction under the radical sign. Use the 5

7
5
8 Quotient Property of Roots. 5
8
1 3
This is the product of the same number, 6, with 1 3
+
4
67 i 67 exponents, so use the Product of Powers Property. 67 7
= 67
4
7x The radicand is the product of 7 and x. Use the 4
7 i 4
x
Product Property of Roots.

Which property could you use to simplify each expression?

7
98 5
1. 1
2. 2x
9 4

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1
2
⎛ 5 ⎞7
3. (9 y ) 3
4. ⎜ ⎟
⎝8⎠

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Original content Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
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