radicals

• multiplying radicals:

  • the product of radicals equals the radical of the product of the radicands
• even index & a negative radicand = non-real
• dividing radicals:

  • the quotient of the radicals equals the radical of the quotient of the radicands

  1. simplify
  2. rationalize denominator
• adding/subtracting

  • like radicals (same radicand & same index)
  • simplify first
• stop simplifying when:

  • all negative exponents must be removed
  • no fractional exponents in denominator
  • fractional exponents in numerator are in lowest terms
  • constants with rational exponents are evaluated