This week in class we started unit 2 called Radical Operations and Equations , and the first thing we discussed was how to simplify radicals. We went from an entire radical to a mixed which we already knew how to do from the previous unit so I felt pretty good about it, and then we added a variable with an exponent to the radical like $\sqrt{24x^3}$  When I took a look at this I understood how to turn it into a mixed radical except I had no idea what to do with the variable with the exponent. So here’s the way that I deal with that variable and some tips that will make it easier for you to remember how to deal with that variable when it pops up in more complicated questions.

1st – Find the prime factorization, when you have a variable with an exponent you also find its prime factorization. * Realize that $\sqrt{24x^3}$ is a squared root therefor you are looking for pairs when finding the prime factorization. What I do right away is highlight my pairs right away so that way I won’t miss them.

2nd – once the prime factorization is found you will take the pairs and square root them and put them on the left side of the radical symbol taking it “out” or “removing it from the radicand area and then taking whats not highlighted multiplying them together and putting it on the inside of the radical symbol making it the radicand.