Problem Solving

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

Thanks! I see it now.