This week we learnt about adding and subtracting radicals by combining like terms….
Example 1:
To add these radicals, we combine like terms. Since both terms have a radical with the same number inside, we can simply add the coefficients…
Example 2:
To subtract these radicals, we also combine like terms. Again, they have the same radical inside, so we can subtract the coefficients…
When adding or subtracting radicals with exponents, it is important to understand the properties of radicals. In both examples provided, the radicals have the same number inside, which allows us to treat them as like terms. The key concept to remember is that if the radicals are the same, we can combine the coefficients while keeping the radical the same.
Through these examples, I learned the following key points:
1. Like terms with radicals: Just like with variables, when you have radicals with the same number inside, you can add or subtract the coefficients while keeping the radical untouched.
2. Focus on the radical: The operations with radicals primarily involve manipulating the coefficients while keeping the radical the same. It is similar to dealing with variables and constants in regular algebraic expressions.
3. Practice makes perfect: The more you practice simplifying expressions with radicals, the more comfortable and confident you will become with operations involving them.
By understanding these concepts and practicing similar problems, you can improve your skills in simplifying expressions involving radicals and exponents. It’s a fundamental aspect of algebra and will pave the way for more complex mathematical operations in the future.
