Final answer:
Simplifying radicals involves reducing the number under the radical to its smallest factors. This is done by taking out pairs of numbers under the radical. In the example, √18 simplifies to 3√2.
Step-by-step explanation:
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A radical simplifies when the number inside the radical symbol becomes as small as possible. For instance, √8 can be simplified to 2√2.
Here are the steps to simplify a radical:
- Find the prime factors of the number inside the radical.
- For each pair of same numbers, one can come out of the radical.
- Any number left inside remains under the radical.
For instance, let's simplify √18:
- The prime factors of 18 are 2, 3, and 3.
- Out of the pair of 3's, one 3 can come out of the radical.
- We are left with 2 inside the radical. So, the simplified version of √18 is 3√2.
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