MGMAT - Algebra Guide Chapter 4: Roots, Problem Set #11 Solve of simplify the following problem: √x^2y^3 = 3x^2y^3 Answer = [spoiler]2xy√y[/spoiler] Why not [spoiler]2x√2y^3[/spoiler]?

bml1105 wrote:MGMAT - Algebra Guide Chapter 4: Roots, Problem Set #11 Solve of simplify the following problem: √x^2y^3 = 3x^2y^3 Answer = [spoiler]2xy√y[/spoiler] Why not [spoiler]2x√2y^3[/spoiler]? Hi! First, the problem you posted doesn't actually include a question, so I'm not sure for what you're solving. In other words, you posted an equation, but no question. However, I can still answer your question - the official answer you posted and your answer are actually identical. We can rewrite 2x√2y^3 as 2x√2(y*y^2) and then we can take "y^2" our of the root to get the accredited answer. Looking at a simpler example: √y^3 = √y^2*y = √y^2 * √y = y√y

Sorry, the question was just to solve or simplify. However, my equation wasn't clear and I accidentally put an equals sign where there should be a plus sign. The equation I'm supposed to simplify is: √[(x^2)(y^3) + (3x^2)(y^3)]

bml1105 wrote:Sorry, the question was just to solve or simplify. However, my equation wasn't clear and I accidentally put an equals sign where there should be a plus sign. The equation I'm supposed to simplify is: √[(x^2)(y^3) + (3x^2)(y^3)] No worries! It didn't really affect your question or my response, I was just curious. Stuart